Could the "Last of Us" Apocalypse Actually Happen? Exploring the Realism of the Cordyceps Fungus

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Posted: 24th January 2025

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Could the "Last of Us" Apocalypse Actually Happen? Exploring the Realism of the Cordyceps Fungus.

The post-apocalyptic world depicted in HBO's The Last of Us has captivated audiences with its gritty storytelling and emotional depth. At the heart of the story is a world ravaged by a deadly fungal infection, specifically a mutated version of the Cordyceps fungus, which takes control of its hosts and turns them into aggressive, zombie-like creatures. The question on many minds is: Could such an apocalypse, driven by a Cordyceps fungus, actually happen in real life? To answer that, we need to delve into the nature of the Cordyceps fungus, how it operates in the natural world, and how realistic it is for such an event to impact humans.

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What is Cordyceps Fungus?

Cordyceps is a genus of parasitic fungi known for its remarkable ability to infect and control the behavior of insects and other arthropods. There are over 400 species of Cordyceps, and they are found all over the world. These fungi have been used in traditional medicine for centuries, particularly in China, due to their purported health benefits. However, it is the fungus's parasitic nature that has drawn significant attention in recent years, especially in light of The Last of Us.

Cordyceps fungi infect their hosts in a particularly gruesome way. They typically target ants, but some species also infect caterpillars and other insects. Once a Cordyceps spore lands on an insect, it begins to grow into the insect's body, eventually taking over its central nervous system. The fungus then manipulates the insect's behavior to its advantage. In the case of ants, the fungus forces them to climb vegetation and bite down on a leaf or twig, anchoring them in place. The fungus then kills the ant and continues to grow, producing a spore-bearing stalk that emerges from the back of the ant’s head, releasing spores that fall to the ground below, where they can infect other ants.

The behavior of these infected ants has led to the term "zombie ants" in popular culture. The parasitic relationship between the Cordyceps fungus and its insect host is a striking example of nature's ability to manipulate organisms for its own survival. The fact that Cordyceps fungi can control the actions of an insect in such a precise manner raises the chilling question: Could a similar scenario occur in humans?

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Could Cordyceps Infect Humans?

In The Last of Us, the Cordyceps fungus mutates to affect humans, turning them into mindless, aggressive creatures known as "Clickers." The infection spreads through spores in the air, leading to a worldwide pandemic that wipes out most of humanity. While this makes for a thrilling story, the reality of such a scenario is much more complicated.

First, it's important to understand that the Cordyceps species that infects ants and other insects is highly specialized. The fungus has evolved over millions of years to target specific insects, exploiting their biology and behavior. The version of Cordyceps depicted in The Last of Us is a fictionalized, mutated form that can infect humans. In reality, the Cordyceps fungus is not capable of infecting humans, at least not in the way it does in the game and TV series.

There are several key reasons for this:

Species Specificity: Cordyceps fungi have evolved to infect specific species, usually insects. They target the central nervous systems of their hosts, but human biology is vastly different from that of ants. The fungus would need to undergo significant genetic changes to be able to manipulate human behavior, and such a mutation would be extremely unlikely. While fungal diseases like Candida albicans can infect humans, they do not exhibit the same parasitic, mind-controlling behavior as Cordyceps.
Environmental Factors: Insects, particularly ants, are small and live in environments that allow for easy transmission of fungal spores. Humans, on the other hand, are much larger, and our immune systems are better equipped to fight off fungal infections. The spores from the Cordyceps fungus would need to overcome the human immune system and establish a foothold, which would be a significant challenge.
Transmission: In The Last of Us, the infection is spread through airborne spores. While some fungi can produce airborne spores, such as the Aspergillus fungus, they do not behave in the same way as the Cordyceps in the show. Fungal infections that affect humans, like those caused by Aspergillus or Histoplasma, are typically contracted through inhalation of spores, but they do not result in the drastic, mind-altering effects seen in the series.

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The Reality of Fungal Infections in Humans

While the idea of a Cordyceps-driven apocalypse is unlikely, fungal infections are a very real and growing concern in modern medicine. Fungal diseases like Candida infections, Aspergillosis, and Cryptococcosis are on the rise, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. These infections can be severe, leading to organ failure and death if not treated properly. However, they do not exhibit the dramatic and mind-altering symptoms portrayed in The Last of Us.

Fungi like Candida albicans can cause infections in humans, particularly in the mouth, throat, or genital area. Aspergillus species can cause lung infections, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems. The real-world concern is not a Cordyceps-style zombie apocalypse, but the growing threat of antifungal resistance and the increasing number of people susceptible to these infections due to conditions like HIV/AIDS, cancer treatments, and organ transplants.

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Could a Cordyceps-like Outbreak Ever Happen?

While it’s highly unlikely that a Cordyceps fungus could mutate to affect humans in the way depicted in The Last of Us, the idea of a fungal outbreak is not entirely out of the realm of possibility. The world of fungi is vast, and many species of fungi are still not fully understood. With the rise of global travel, climate change, and increasing human encroachment into natural habitats, new fungal diseases could emerge. However, even if a fungal infection were to spread, it would more likely cause illness or death through infection, not mind control.

Conclusion

The Cordyceps fungus in The Last of Us serves as a chilling premise for an apocalypse, but the reality of such an event is highly improbable. The fungus's ability to manipulate insects is a fascinating aspect of nature, but its potential to infect and control humans is not supported by current scientific understanding. While fungal infections are a real and growing concern in the medical world, they do not exhibit the dramatic, zombie-like effects seen in the series. The idea of a Cordyceps-driven apocalypse may be thrilling for TV and video games, but in reality, it's not something we need to fear.