They belong to a unique kingdom of fungi. Cordyceps may not be suitable for everyone. When "Planet Earth" came out in 2006, the zombie ant fungus was believed to be part of the group Cordyceps, . However, there are fungi that regularly infect and kill humans, and scientists . Can humans be infected by Cordyceps? - Studybuff.com Although its premise is science fiction, the fungus in the show is actually based in scientific reality. These include Aspergillosis, Histoplasma, Blastomyces, and Coccidiosis. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. While it is highly unlikely climate change would lead to a zombie-like apocalypse according to experts, the warming of the globe continues to pose a threat to global health. Scientists think the parasite takes physical control of its host by growing fungal cells around the brain that hijack an insects nervous system to control its muscles. All rights reserved. But what about fungi? But this jump from insects to people is highly implausible, says Roberts. Although cordyceps does not infect humans, it does infect many insects. No, Cordyceps can not infect human beings. Cordyceps fungus is considered an edible mushroom in some cultures. Another reason to use antifungal medications sparingly is to prevent fungal organisms from developing a resistance to the medications we have. Yet, fungal infections receive less than 1.5% of infectious disease funding while killing more people than tuberculosis a leading infectious disease killer worldwide. For healthy people, C. auris is not a cause for concern. Its brain is still in the drivers seat, but the fungus has the wheel.. Additionally, the human body's immune response and the availability of antifungal medications make it less likely that a fungus would be able to cause a global outbreak. Fungal infections are widely different in the way they look and feel and how theyre treated. The Last of Us brings up a valid point: Cordyceps could eventually develop thermotolerance to infect individuals with a higher body temperature, says Dr. Misra. SAN DIEGO On the heels of a real pandemic, the new HBO drama "The Last of Us" is turning heads in its display of a post-apocalyptic America after a fungal infection spreads rampantly amongst. There are millions of different fungal and mold species out in nature that dont cause any sort of infection in humans, and this is one of them, he explains. The Last of Us is set in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by hordes of "infected," aggressive, zombified humans who have contracted a parasitic fungal infectionthe cordyceps brain. The fungus with orange tendrils, known as Cordyceps, can infect and take over the bodies of various insects, including ants, spiders, and millipedes, effectively transforming them into. Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is not a mental disorder but a physical one. It infects insects and other arthropods, such as caterpillars, beetles, and ants feed on their tissues, and replaces the hosts tissue with its tissue, eventually killing the host. Some people report feeling increased energy and focus, reduced fatigue, and improved overall well-being after taking Cordyceps. In his apparently esteemed opinion, viruses have always and will always attack and kill humans, but humans have the tools to fight them off. An outbreak like this has, blessedly, never happened in humans, and there is evidence of other species domesticating cordyceps, employing it as a biological friend rather than a foe. The zombie fungus from 'The Last Of Us' is real but not nearly as deadly: https://www.npr.org/2023/01/30/1151868673/the-last-of-us-cordyceps-zombie-fungus-real#:~:text=Cordyceps%20does%20not%20typically%20infect,The%20fungus%20cannot%20infect%20humans. However, consuming large amounts of Cordyceps can have adverse effects such as headaches and allergies. However, cases of fungal infection may be increasing with climate change. For example, a cordyceps that evolved to infect an ant in Thailand cant infect a different ant species in Florida. The doctor can advise on whether it is safe for you and whether it may interact with any medications you are taking. And finally, he is concerned about the novelty of the fungus. Low Heart Rate: What It Is and When to Worry. Each zombie-creating fungus species evolved to match a specific insect, so unique strains have little effect on an organism except for the one they evolved to infect. Because fungal infections are so varied, symptoms are widely different, too. The genetically related ophiocordyceps fungus similarly kills insects, but first makes its host body do its bidding. And each has different effects. 'The Last Of Us' Zombie Infection Is RealHere's What Scientists Say This is intentional, an intelligent tactic to straddle the fictional and the factual. The fact that humans are immune to ophiocordyceps is reflected in the fact that people in parts of Asia use one type (Ophiocordyceps sinensis) in traditional medicines. Always feeling tired? While most fungi species dont pose a threat to humans, a handful can cause problems. Is Cordyceps Fungus Real? Can It Infect Humans? - The Cinemaholic Climate change is another risk factor for fungal diseases that has given rise to a worrisome pathogen. The zombie fungus from 'The Last Of Us' is real - NPR Many people are familiar with the name Cordyceps due to its inclusion in the popular video game and television series, The Last of Us. The health benefits of Cordyceps are not well-established, and more research is needed to understand the effect of it on human health. Its all about one easy-to-miss phrase: There are no treatments for this.. One thing thats protected us from serious fungal infections are our own warm bodies. Is malaria making a comeback in the U.S.? Each zombie-creating fungus species evolved to match a specific insect, so unique strains have little effect on an organism except for the one they evolved to infect. An infection can occur when one of these harmful organisms enters your body. Cordyceps can't infect humans ( yet? And thats the brilliance of the HBO adaptation, which takes the video games already well-grounded horror and fills in the shadows just enough to invest us, addict us, and terrify us. Although there have been isolated reports of human infections with other species of mushrooms, such infections may be rare and typically occur in individuals with compromised immune systems. Hannah explains that certain fungi can infect and control their animal hosts and that humans could . Photograph by Alex Hyde, Nature Picture Library. While some fungi have been known to cause hallucinations on very rare occasions, "a human manipulating cordyceps is vanishingly unlikely," Fisher said. The Last of Us imagines a world ravaged by a fungal apocalypse caused by a creepy, mind-controlling fungus known as Cordyceps. Was this prehistoric killer shrimp as fierce as it looked? When they enter the bloodstream, fungi present symptoms similar to a bacterial infection, Shoham notes. Because there are some fungi who seek not to kill but to control., His fellow scientist scoffs; these types of fungi are not studied contorting humans but, rather, ants. Viruses are always finding new ways to change and adapt to their surroundings in an effort to infect people. Its realits real to the extent that everything [Dr. Neuman] says that fungus do, they do, Mazin told The Hollywood Reporter in January. The principal types of depression are major depression, dysthymia, and bipolar disease (also called manic-depressive disease). For people with healthy immune systems, fighting them off is typically not an issue. There are thousands of species of cordyceps each designed to infect a particular species luckily, humans aren't one of them. All rights reserved. "Many of these infections can be incredibly difficult to treat and have high mortality rates," Rivera said. But what if that were to change? But he could also be right. Among the estimated 1.5 to 5 million fungal species on the planet, only several hundred can infect humans, and only a . Most of the time, this does not cause problems in healthy people. . Concerningly, this somewhat parallels real life. And dear reader, your concern is valid. One of the reasons why we have skin fungi is they can get between folds of skin. There are over 400 species of Cordyceps fungi. "There are only a rare handful that concern me. Was it a spectacular celestial discoveryor just a fluke? The idea is that this fungus was out there, and over the years it adapted to higher temperatures until it could break through.. Cordyceps mushrooms are generally considered safe when consumed in small to moderate amounts. Finally, some fungal infections are contributing to biodiversity loss. Why Parkinson's research is zooming in on the gut. One of the reasons why we have skin fungi is they can get between folds of skin. In one reported case, the fungus infected different species of ants in a laboratory setting. Eat it. Last medically reviewed on April 6, 2023, Some fungi occur naturally in the body, and they can be helpful or harmful. On the contrary, it is used in both modern and traditional medicine and can be found in various health supplements. In The Last of Us universe, rising temperatures cause Cordyceps to evolve and adapt to human body temperatures. It also discusses other types of fungal infections. We have a limited arsenal of antifungals and improper use or too frequent use can lead to fungal infections not responding to a once-effective medication., Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Examples of commensal infections include: We live with commensal organisms every day, and for the most part, they dont tend to bother us at all, says Dr. Misra. Despite a low possibility of spurring a worldwide pandemic, the global burden of fungal infections remains high. But most viruses, fungi, and bacteria do not do that, says Roberts. On humans? Can 'The Last of Us' Cordyceps Fungus Really Infect Humans? - The Cordyceps, or Ophiocordyceps unilateralis, is indeed a real fungus that parasitizes the brains of insects like ants or spiders. Fungal infections come from the environmentthrough inhaling spores or an exposed wound. Coupled with the fact that people are now living longer and we have more populations of people who are immunocompromised, fungal infections, in particular, have become a growing area of interest in research. How Realistic Is The Last of Us's Fungus Outbreak? - Vulture In that environment, what kind of person would you become? "These mobile elements are likely to contribute to adaptation in the environment and during an infection," postdoctoral researcher Asiya Gusa Ph.D. of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology in the Duke School of Medicine said in a press release accompanied with the study. There are only a rare handful that concern me. She was previously an associate editor at ELLE. In a race against time and the enemy, J. Robert Oppenheimer helped lead the U.S. effort to build the atomic bomb. It helps to understand the science of how most infections evolve and spread from one person to the next. It hasnt been proven. The Science Behind Zombie Viruses and Infections. But when asked if a fungal outbreak akin to COVID-19 was possible, Casadevall says its not out of the question. But many are not so lucky: The Centers for Disease Control estimates that 30 to 60 percent of patients infected with the fungus have died, although the possibility they had underlying health conditions makes it difficult to determine how pivotal a role Candida auris played. 'A growing threat to human health': we are ill-equipped for the dangers Is this simply Last of Us fear-mongering, or do we need to start giving portobellos the side-eye? heart disease, and If a jump from an ant species is hard, to jump to humansthats definitely sci-fi, says Will. These infections occur when an imbalance or overgrowth of specific kinds of bacteria, yeast or fungal spores inside your body leads to illness. Can Cordyceps Fungus Infect Humans? - MedicineNet Cordyceps is a real fungusbut is it dangerous? - National Geographic If cordyceps were to ever develop thermotolerance and infect us, its even possible that we could still be asymptomatic (have no symptoms).. Check out the center below for more medical references on chronic fatigue, including multimedia (slideshows, images, and quizzes), related diseases, treatment, diagnosis, medications, and prevention or wellness. As Dr. Neuman continues, his words become only more ominous. Theyre like these grim little Christmas ornaments out in the forest, says Ian Will, a fungal geneticist at the University of Central Florida, where these zombified ants can be found. The world is getting warmer and fungi are evolving. What does Cordyceps do to humans? The Earth is warming, and not just slightly. You develop this infection by swallowing the parasite. It took millions of years of coevolution in order for cordyceps to infect the particular species it targets, adds Dr. Misra. All fungi are opportunistic in nature, meaning fungal spores are all around us (and inside of us) at all times but they can cause illness if the right circumstances present themselves. How realistic is the idea of a Cordyceps fungus that could infect Like many microbes, there are helpful fungi and harmful fungi. The Fungus that Reduced Humanity to The Last of Us While Cordyceps fungi are unlikely to pose a significant threat to humans, research suggests that other fungal infections are increasing worldwide, potentially due to climate change. As the Earth warms up, there is concern that the change between environment temperature and body temperature won't be as dramatic, he says. The human body's immune system is more advanced than that of an ant and has a higher internal temperature, which would protect it from cordyceps infection. Cordycipitaceae and Ophiocordycipitaceae, which this article will refer to as the Cordyceps fungus, are taxonomic families of parasitic fungi. anemia, Cordyceps are a broad category of insect parasites, and a popular health supplement. Cordyceps/ By Tony Smith Cordyceps only affects insects ; it can't infect humans . MedicineNet does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Depending on the organism itself, they can enter your body in a variety of ways. When we go out into nature, we inhale thousands of fungal spores. Cordyceps is known for its various health benefits and is believed to boost energy, improve respiratory function, and enhance immune system function, among other things. This behavior is considered parasitic because the Cordyceps fungus benefits at the expense of its host. It is a parasitic type of fungus that infects insects and other arthropods. Photograph by Alex Hyde, Nature Picture Library In the show, the mutated Cordyceps spread rapidly to humans through an infected food supply. Earth's shifting magnetic poles don't cause climate change, This ancient society tried to stop El Niowith child sacrifice, The bloody reigns of these Roman kings sparked a revolution, How Oppenheimer guarded WWIIs biggest secret, Step inside an ancient mummification workshop, At long last, the American buffalo has come home. Mind Control and Fungus Art In The Last of Us, 60 percent of humanity is wiped out by the genus of parasitic fungus Cordyceps. Among those listed, four have been labeled as critical: Candida auris is a big one that was originally found in an ear canal in Japan, but since then, its shown up in various different institutions independently across three different continents, says Dr. Misra. In fact, some kinds of cordyceps have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for their potential health benefits. Most drug companies dont want to spend the resources on an anti-fungal thats only going to be used by a few immunocompromised people. And because fungi are more closely related to humans than viruses or bacteria, creating an anti-fungal that doesnt also harm human cells is more challenging. The Last of Us, based on the 2013 PlayStation game of the same name, endeavors to feel as real as possible, even when its monsters look more like alien abominations than the mushrooms most of us are familiar with. Viruses are set up to spread person-to-personwe sneeze, and it can infect 20 people in the right setting, say Roberts. anxiety, For example,. True, fungi cannot survive if its hosts internal temperature is over 94 degrees, he says. See additional information. There is one fungal species capable of infecting people that scientists think may have resulted from warming temperatures, called Candida auris. Theyre like these grim little Christmas ornaments out in the forest, says Ian Will, a fungal geneticist at the University of Central Florida, where these zombified ants can be found. If this is right, then the ant ends its life as a prisoner in its own body. Its a process the fungus has been refining within its specific host since before human history. "Cordyceps" has become a common catch-all name for a group of fungi that infect insects. What is the zombie fungus called? All rights reserved. Scientists are still learning about how entomopathogenic, or insect-infecting, fungi modify the behavior of their hosts. Learn the foods to avoid if you're anxious or depressed. However, it is essential to consult a doctor before using Cordyceps, especially if you take any medications or have any preexisting health conditions, as it can interact with certain medications. Please be respectful of copyright. An infection occurs when an invasive fungus becomes too much for the, Turkey tail mushroom extract may support cancer treatment and restore the balance of gut bacteria. Originally a video game, the popular show was recently renewed for a second season. One of the freakiest sequences in the premiere episode of HBOs The Last of Us takes place not when the hordes of mindless infected attack, but when an epidemiologist is asked for his thoughts on pandemics. According to older research, many of these fungi parasitize arthropods, which are invertebrates, such as insects, and arachnids, such as spiders. In the post-apocalyptic world of The Last of Us, a rapidly spreading pandemicin which a mutated Cordyceps fungus morphs people into zombie-like infected besieges humanity. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. The fungus which causes the pandemic is based on the real-life Cordyceps zombie fungus that infects insects. And they currently do it and have been doing it forever. Fruiting bodies erupt from a dead moth killed by the cordyceps fungus. It could be something you ate. Learn about the symptoms and causes of CFS. However, not all species of Cordyceps are safe to consume and some can be toxic, so it is highly recommended to purchase Cordyceps from a reliable source to ensure safety and quality. If the world continues to heat up, fungi will continue to adapt. But Ophiocordyceps jumping from ants to humans and then onward [to other people]that probably requires too many [improbable] circumstances to happen., Charissa de Bekker, an Ophiocodyceps expert and mycologist, summarized why to Vox: Cordyceps isnt a jack of all trades. Cordyceps and Ophiocordyceps are types of fungi that typically affect insects. Although cordyceps does not infect humans, it does infect a wide range of insects. In The Last of Us, a zombie apocalypse is caused by cordyceps parasitic fungi that invade and take over specific, unique insects around the world before spreading their spores to others of that same species. For instance, if you have a fungal infection on your skin, you may experience itching, a rash or discolored and cracked nails. While the game and show are entirely fiction, theres some scientific concern involving new and emerging fungi that are infecting humans for the first time. We have seen a rise in antifungal resistance especially since fungicides are used in agriculture, she adds. But only ophiocordyceps control their host's body. Is it possible for Cordyceps to infect humans? - Quora The research may suggest that pathogenic fungi can adapt to the planet's warmer temperatures as well highlighting the danger of global warming. For instance, actress Gwyneth Paltrows lifestyle website posted a [widely criticized] recipe for 200-dollar breakfast smoothie that included Cordyceps. Recent locally acquired cases in Florida and Texas have raised concerns about a rise in mosquito-borne diseases. Policy. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has also listed this yeast as a priority because of its resistance to multiple antifungal medications. Clinical microbiologist Anisha Misra, PhD, explains which fungi are now major areas of concern for ongoing research and how fungal infections work differently from others. We link primary sources including studies, scientific references, and statistics within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. What if this parasitic fungus could do the same thing to us? In October 2022, the WHO released its first-ever list of health-threatening fungi, as fungal infections are becoming increasingly common and resistant to treatment. 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In fact, says Roberts, this is why some mycologists (fungus experts) hypothesize weve evolved to have this body temperature. The first signs of infection are erratic and abnormal behavior. Thats the premise of the new television show based on the video game The Last of Us in which, as a result of warming temperatures caused by climate change, a fungus takes over the world and turns humans into parasite-controlled zombies. What is chronic fatigue syndrome? Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. It helps people manage their emotional and behavioral problems by changing the way they perceive the world and react to it. 5 Common Problems and Fixes, Heads Up: What Your Headache Location Means. They rarely infect healthy peoplethose who are immunocompromised are the most susceptible hosts. If a jump from an ant species is hard, to jump to humansthats definitely sci-fi, says Will. In reality, most severe fungal infections in humans affect immunocompromised people, including people . Reishi mushroom, scientifically known as Ganoderma lucidum or Ganoderma sinense, has been commonly known as the mushroom of longevity or immortality. Antibiotic use is a huge risk factor for fungal and yeast infections because they essentially wipe out all of the good bacteria, so fungi can start to take over, he explains. How likely is a superfungus apocalypse? The science behind The Last of Is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions? Most fungal species cannot grow above 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. The infected ant then moves upward, such as up a tree trunk, before the Ophiocordyceps species induces biting behavior. Can I take Cordyceps every day? Can Cordyceps Fungus from 'The Last of Us' Infect Humans in Real-Life What if this parasitic fungus could do the same thing to us? Many Cordyceps species are highly specialized to infect certain species of arthropods, such as ants or spiders. Cordyceps is sometimes consumed as a dietary supplement and has been used in various medications; it is not known to cause harm or invade human tissue. 1 [deleted] 10 yr. ago