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Molecular detection of poisonous mushrooms in different matrices

     ¹ DIPAV-Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, MI
² Laboratorio di Sanità Pubblica - ASL di Milano, Milano, MI
³ DIPAV, DIPAV-Università degli Studi di Milano, via Celoria 10, Milano, MI, 20133, Italy

Amanita phalloides, Lepiota cristata, Lepiota brunneoincarnata, and Inocybe asterospora are among the most important species responsible for mushroom poisoning in northern Italy. A real-time PCR method for the identification of samples containing DNA from each of these species was developed. To test specificity, all protocols were applied on DNA extracted from various mushroom species; sensitivity was assessed performing serial dilutions on all samples; versatility of the protocols was evaluated performing tests on DNA extracted from different matrices. The protocols showed high sensitivity (32 ng of dried mushroom), high specificity, and sensitive detection of DNA extracted from difficult samples, including pasta with mushroom, cooked mushrooms and gastric aspirates.

Key words: poisonous mushrooms, Basidiomycetes, Real-Time PCR, species identification