T-Virus

Allow us to take the time to look at one of the most complex thought out zombie viruses, the Tyrant virus, more commonly known as the t-virus. The t-virus is similar to other viruses. As the virus makes contact with another cell, it inserts its genetic coding into it. The cell absorbs the viral genome into its own genetic make-up, taking over the cell and beginning to produce more of the original virus. The new viruses are then released from the host and infect the other cells, which of course starts the process over anew.

The t-virus kills and replaces mitochondrial organelles with a replica of itself and then combines with other cells to produce energy. The energy produced is just enough to power the motor neurons and the basic lower brain functions. The reanimated host body is then left with the "need to feed" in order to replenish energy without having to sacrifice its own tissue. This slow eating of the cells by the virus leads to the gradual breakdown of the host, causing necrosis. The virus then inserts itself into the host's DNA.

If the host is alive at the time of t-virus infection, all higher brain functions are destroyed. This leaves only the cerebellum to govern behaviour. Leaving the infected host with very basic, animalistic behaviour. As the virus spreads, it damages the hypothalamus. This produces a massive flood of neurotransmitters, enzymes, and hormones such as norepinephrine and dopamine: which along with the infection, cause rage and hunger.

If the host is dead at the time of t-virus infection, only enough energy is produced to re-start the lower brain functions. Again these functions are responsible for the most primal and animalistic instincts, such as walking and eating.

There is some suggestion that the state of further mutation of the host by the virus depends on the host's state of mind and personality. The creator of the virus became a twisted representation of his own self hate, which can be compared to Albert Wesker's transformation which made him into the god he thought of himself as. This could however also simply be the chemistry of the different viruses relating to the DNA of the host.

The t-virus is capable of various ways to spread infection. The t-virus is a protein structure at it's core and is best transmitted by direct injection. However the virus can transform and will maintain itself (for a very limited time) as an airborne pathogen. The virus also transforms very well into liquid, mainly water and will infect any who ingest it in this way. Finally the virus can be spread through direct contact with an infected host. This is considered a secondary way of infection however as with many viruses, it can take several times in contact with tissue or even fluid containing trace amounts of the virus in order to become infected in such a way.

The virus was created as part of the weapons reseach done by the Umbrella corporation and more can be read about it here. While the t-virus is a made up bio-weapon the way it is presented and the science behind it is, in some places, scarily possible. To think corporations are not trying to develop a weapon like this is simply foolish. The questions are just when and exactly how. Will it be something like the t-virus? One can only hope not.

Stay vigilant, may the infection never reach you, and those close to you have the resolve to do what is needed should you be so unfortunate, Mike D.