Can Ellie Spread the Fungus in The Last of Us?
The question of whether Ellie, the seemingly immune protagonist of The Last of Us franchise, can transmit the deadly Cordyceps fungus has been a source of much debate and speculation among fans. The short answer, based on the evidence presented in both the games and the HBO adaptation, is a resounding no. Ellie cannot spread the infection. However, the reasons for her immunity and the mechanisms behind it are complex and fascinating, warranting a deeper dive.
Ellie’s Unique Immunity
Ellie’s immunity is the central mystery that drives the narrative of The Last of Us. Unlike other individuals who succumb to the Cordyceps infection and transform into terrifying creatures, Ellie carries the fungus without exhibiting any symptoms of the disease. She does not develop the telltale fungal protrusions, nor does she exhibit any signs of cognitive impairment typically associated with the infection.
The Mystery of Anna’s Bite
The HBO series adds a significant layer to the puzzle, suggesting that Ellie’s immunity may stem from her mother, Anna, being bitten by an Infected just before giving birth. This corroborates a fan theory that Ellie’s innate resistance was a result of prenatal exposure to the fungus through her mother’s bloodstream. This theory suggests that Anna’s own immune system, in its attempt to fight off the infection, may have inadvertently transferred crucial antibodies or a modified form of the fungus to her unborn child, granting Ellie immunity from birth. This is a departure from the games, where the specifics of Ellie’s immunity are left more ambiguous, allowing for a greater degree of speculation.
No Transmission Through Bodily Fluids
In both the games and the show, there is concrete evidence suggesting Ellie’s non-contagious nature. She has shared kisses without infecting her partner, demonstrating that the virus is not transmittable through saliva. This is a critical point that sets her apart from standard Infected and suggests her body effectively contains the virus and does not allow for it to be easily transmitted. Her blood, although carrying the Cordyceps fungus, is also proven to be non-infectious, as seen in the heartbreaking scene where her blood fails to heal or prevent Sam’s turning. This adds a level of tragedy to her character as she discovers she is essentially a walking dead-end when it comes to curing or preventing further outbreaks.
Why She Is Not Contagious: The Science (Fictional)
The reason for her non-contagious nature can be attributed to the fictional science in the world of The Last of Us. Just as someone immune to a virus cannot transmit it to others, Ellie’s unique immunity means the Cordyceps fungus, though present, is neutralized within her. It’s not a simple case of having an antibody but rather a complete and systematic containment by her unique biological makeup. This prevents the fungus from reproducing and spreading to a new host. Her body has either adapted or is naturally equipped to suppress the infectious capacity of the fungus, thus making her safe to be around.
The Key Difference: A Controlled Infection
The critical distinction between Ellie and typical infected individuals is that she carries a controlled, non-contagious form of the Cordyceps. While the fungus is present within her body, it is effectively contained and rendered incapable of replicating to the extent that it could infect others. Standard infection involves rapid fungal growth and the manipulation of the host’s brain; however, in Ellie’s case, the fungus is somehow subdued. This key factor explains why she can coexist in the world without causing a pandemic of her own.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Ellie’s immunity and her potential to spread the Cordyceps fungus, offering further clarity for fans of the franchise:
1. Can Ellie turn into an Infected?
No, Ellie cannot turn into an Infected. She is inherently immune to the Cordyceps fungus, which prevents her from exhibiting symptoms or the progression into infected stages like runners or clickers.
2. Is Ellie the only one immune?
Yes, as far as the story and the characters are aware, Ellie is the only known individual who has demonstrated complete immunity to the Cordyceps fungus. There have been no reported cases of others exhibiting a similar level of immunity.
3. Why didn’t Ellie’s blood save Sam?
Ellie’s blood is not a cure. It does not contain antibodies or factors capable of reversing or preventing a Cordyceps infection in others. Her immunity is personal and specific to her biology.
4. Can Ellie breathe spores safely?
Yes, Ellie can breathe in spores without issue. This was a crucial test of her immunity in the show, proving once and for all her unique biological makeup does not respond to the fungus the same way normal hosts do.
5. Did Joel prevent a potential cure by saving Ellie?
It’s a matter of perspective. While the Fireflies believed Ellie’s brain was essential to a cure, it was never a guarantee. Joel’s decision to prioritize Ellie’s life was a decision to forgo a potentially cure but based on his understanding of the realities, it was a far riskier plan then they expressed.
6. Could Ellie have been the cure?
The possibility of a cure using Ellie’s biology remains ambiguous. The Firefly doctor certainly believed so, but without Ellie’s sacrifice, there was no way to know.
7. Why did the Infected kiss Tess?
The kiss between an Infected and Tess in the HBO show was to illustrate how the fungus is transmitted. It showcases an evolution of the fungi where spores aren’t the only transmission vector.
8. Is Ellie’s immunity linked to her mother being bitten?
The HBO series strongly implies that Ellie’s immunity may be a result of her mother’s exposure to Cordyceps before her birth. This is a theory but has a lot of evidence to support it.
9. Was Joel ever infected?
While there were some close calls for Joel, especially in the show, he was never officially infected with the Cordyceps fungus. He may have dodged infection simply by luck with food choice in the series’s pilot.
10. Did Abby get bit?
Abby does have a bite scar, but she is immune, much like Ellie. It’s important to understand that bite scars are simply evidence of exposure, not proof of an infection.
11. Does the game give any clues about Ellie’s immunity?
The game leaves the specifics of Ellie’s immunity more ambiguous. Her non-contagious nature is established, but the reason is more of a mystery, allowing for multiple possible explanations, including the one the show has given us.
12. Did Ellie know Joel lied to her about the Fireflies?
Deep down, Ellie likely knew Joel was lying, but she initially chose to believe him in order to protect herself from further emotional turmoil.
13. Can Ellie get bitten again?
Yes, Ellie can get bitten again. Her second bite in the show further solidifies her immunity, as she remains symptom-free after the incident.
14. Did they ever find a cure in The Last of Us?
No cure has been found in the world of The Last of Us. The attempt to synthesize a cure using Ellie’s biology was abandoned by Joel.
15. What kind of infection does the Cordyceps cause?
The Cordyceps is a fungal infection, not a virus. This is an important point for understanding why certain methods of transmission and immunity are relevant.
Conclusion
Ellie’s inability to transmit the Cordyceps fungus is a cornerstone of her character and a key aspect of the narrative of The Last of Us. Her unique immunity, seemingly rooted in her mother’s exposure to the fungus at birth, provides a glimmer of hope amidst a bleak and infected world, although one that cannot help others in any way, it does provide a unique survivor who can carry that hope. She is a testament to the complexity of biological interaction and the fictional nature of the science within the series. While questions about the feasibility of a cure using her biology remain, one thing is clear: Ellie herself poses no threat of spreading the infection.