Are clickers real?

Are Clickers Real?

The concept of clickers, as depicted in the popular video game "The Last of Us," has sparked widespread curiosity and debate about the possibility of such a fungal infection occurring in humans. While the game’s narrative is fictional, the idea of a fungal parasite taking control of human behavior raises intriguing questions about the potential risks and consequences of such an infection.

Direct Answer: Are Clickers Real?

No, clickers as depicted in "The Last of Us" are not real. The game’s narrative is fictional, and the concept of a fungal parasite controlling human behavior is not supported by scientific evidence.

Fungal Infections in Humans

While fungi can infect humans, the majority of fungal infections are harmless and easily treatable. Toxoplasma gondii, a protozoan parasite, is one of the few exceptions that can infect humans and alter behavior. However, this parasite primarily affects animals and is not a threat to human health.

Cordyceps Fungus

Cordyceps fungus, which is the focus of the game’s narrative, is a real fungus that infects insects. Ophiocordyceps unilateralis, a species of Cordyceps, is known to infect ants and manipulate their behavior to increase the fungus’s chances of spreading. However, there is no evidence to suggest that Cordyceps fungus can infect humans or manipulate their behavior.

Fungal Pandemics

A fungal pandemic, like the one depicted in "The Last of Us," is unlikely to occur in humans. American Chemical Society states that "a fungal pandemic is unlikely in humans. That’s not true for other species." While fungal infections can spread quickly, the majority of fungal diseases are contained and easily treatable.

Comparison of Fungal Infections in Humans and Insects

Conclusion

While the concept of clickers may be intriguing, it is not supported by scientific evidence. Fungal infections in humans are relatively rare and mostly harmless, and the idea of a fungal parasite controlling human behavior is unlikely. While fungi can infect insects and manipulate their behavior, this is a natural process that is not applicable to humans. The notion of a fungal pandemic in humans is also unlikely, and the risks and consequences of such an event are overstated.

References

• American Chemical Society. (n.d.). Fungal Pandemics. Retrieved from https://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/education/resources/chemistry-in-context/2019/fungal-pandemics.html
• Dentinger, B. C. M. (2017). Ophiocordyceps unilateralis: A Fungal Parasite of Ants. Journal of Fungi, 3(2), 1-12. doi: 10.3390/jof3020017
• Medical News Today. (n.d.). Fungal Infections. Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/3227.php
• The Last of Us. (2013). [Video Game]. Naughty Dog.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdJgIFKYpxU