Humans cannot be infected by or carry the Cordyceps fungus. The physiological makeup of the human body provides effective natural defenses against this particular fungal infection.
Why Humans Are Immune to Cordyceps Infection
The primary reasons humans are not susceptible to Cordyceps infection stem from fundamental biological differences between humans and the insects that the fungus typically parasitizes:
- High Internal Body Temperature: The average internal temperature of the human body is around 98.6°F (37°C). This temperature is too high for the Cordyceps fungus to survive, grow, and replicate effectively. Fungi, including Cordyceps, generally thrive at lower temperatures found in the environments of their insect hosts.
- Complex Biological Systems: Human bodies possess highly complex biological systems, including a robust immune system. These intricate systems are far more complex and capable of defending against pathogens compared to the relatively simpler biology of ants and other insects. This complexity provides a natural protective barrier against Cordyceps infection.
Unlike the dramatic and often fatal effects Cordyceps has on insects—leading to behavioral manipulation and eventually the host's death as the fungus grows and spores are released—humans are not affected in any similar manner. The fungus simply cannot establish itself or cause an infection in a human body.
To illustrate the difference in susceptibility, consider the following:
| Characteristic | Humans | Insects (e.g., ants) |
|---|---|---|
| Susceptibility to Cordyceps | Immune; cannot be infected or carry the fungus | Highly Susceptible; can be infected and controlled by the fungus |
| Internal Body Temperature | High (approx. 98.6°F / 37°C) | Varies; generally lower, often ambient |
| Biological Complexity | Very Complex (advanced immune system) | Less Complex (simpler biological defenses) |
Therefore, concerns about Cordyceps posing a threat to human health, as depicted in some fictional scenarios, are not grounded in scientific reality. The fungus cannot survive or thrive within the human body.
