Synthia

The first synthetic bacteria – Synthia, created “to combat oil pollution in the Gulf of Mexico” which, has mutated into a highly lethal microorganism as a "flesh-eating bacteria."

Created by J. Craig Venter Institute, Synthetic Genomics Inc, and BP.

In 2011, Synthia was unleashed in the Gulf of Mexico and in its initial stages of life it absorbed oil slicks well. January 2011, the Register reported that scientists were particularly impressed by the speed with which the bacteria was consuming the oil.

It was believed that Synthia feeds on oil, but it turns out now that it is equally willing to consume all forms of organic life as well. Strange reports started coming from the US, five thousand birds falling victims of an “unknown disease” in Arkansas, or more that a hundred thousand dead fish found off the coast of north Louisiana. A total of 128 Petroleum employees that participated in the liquidation of the oil slick were struck by some mysterious illness.

Infected indivifuals found themselves covered with itching sores only to die in agony a few days later due to extensive internal bleeding.

Infected through a wound or unfortunate enough to eat raw seafood contaminated by this bacteria. Once the bacteria is in the system, it infects the layer between the skin and muscles and starts producing a toxin that disrupts tissues. It is known that Synthia is capable of reproducing itself rapidly within the infected cells, and that it is immune to antibiotics.

"The new organism was nicknamed Synthia."

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