HBO’s “The Last of Us” portrays characters battling a deadly fungus in a post-apocalyptic world. While this storyline makes for compelling television, the real-life challenges of developing an effective fungal antibiotic or vaccine are substantial.
The fungus that caused the Cordyceps outbreak in the show is Ophiocordyceps unilateralis, which affects ants. In reality, creating a cure for such fungi is extremely difficult due to their unique biology and the complexity of their life cycles.
Scientists face numerous hurdles, including understanding the intricacies of fungal genetics and ecology, identifying potential targets for treatment, and developing effective delivery methods. These challenges are compounded by the fact that many fungal antibiotics have already been discovered and have limited efficacy or cause significant side effects.
The development of a vaccine against fungal infections is also a complex task, requiring multiple strains of the fungus to be studied, as well as an in-depth understanding of the immune system’s response to fungal pathogens. This process can take years, if not decades, to complete.
In comparison to killing a fully sentient, armed bloatercarrying Cordyceps-infected humans, developing effective treatments for fungal infections is a much more daunting task. The show’s portrayal of scientists racing against time to create an antidote highlights the urgent need for research in this area, as fungal infections continue to affect people worldwide.
As Season 2 of “The Last of Us” premieres on Sunday, it serves as a reminder that while science can make incredible progress, many medical challenges remain unsolved.
Source: https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/04/13/nation/last-of-us-fungus-antibiotic-vaccine-science