Introduction

“The Last of Us” is a critically acclaimed video game that portrays a post-apocalyptic world suffering from a devastating fungal pandemic. The game tells the story of survivors who struggle to navigate through a world filled with dangerous, infected humans. This article will investigate the science behind the fungal pandemic depicted in “The Last of Us” and explore the potential for such an outbreak in reality.

The Cordyceps Fungus

The fungal pandemic in “The Last of Us” is attributed to a mutated strain of the Cordyceps fungus, which manipulates its host’s behavior and eventually kills them. While many players are familiar with this fungus from the game, some may not know that this fungus exists in reality, mainly affecting insects. The most well-known species of this fungus is Ophiocordyceps unilateralis, which specifically infects ants.

In real life, Ophiocordyceps unilateralis infects ants by releasing spores that attach to their exoskeleton. Once inside the ant, it manipulates its behavior by affecting its brain functions. The infected ant is compelled to leave its colony and climb vegetation, where it dies after the fungus consumes its internal tissues. Eventually, a stalk emerges from the ant’s head to release spores and infect more hosts.

Could It Happen To Humans?

While the scenario illustrated in “The Last of Us” might seem terrifyingly plausible, it’s essential to consider whether such an outbreak could happen in reality. Currently, there are no known species of Cordyceps capable of infecting humans. Also, as far as we know now, there are little to no examples of fungi manipulating human behavior.

One of the reasons why humans have been safe from Cordyceps infection is our immune system. Humans have an advanced immune system compared to insects like ants, making it harder for fungi and other pathogens to establish a significant infection.

Another reason why a Cordyceps-like fungal pandemic is highly unlikely is the evolutionary gap between humans and insects. The fungus would need to undergo a significant amount of evolution to function adequately within human hosts, as parasites adapted to one type of organism typically don’t perform well in another type.

The Last Word

Although “The Last of Us” paints a bleak picture of humanity’s future, our understanding of fungal infections and the Cordyceps fungus suggests that such an apocalyptic scenario is highly improbable. However, it serves as an essential reminder that nature harbors relentless microorganisms, and we must remain vigilant and prepared for potential outbreaks from unknown pathogens. The game also highlights the broader implications that unchecked disease can have on society, reminding us to prioritize preventative measures in public health and safety matters.