Theory:Shanti virus

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The following fan theories are about the "Shanti virus".

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Theories

Theory	Citations	Notes
The virus affects only evolved humans.	None	+ So far, all of the characters infected with the virus may have been evolved humans. - It is unknown whether Shanti Suresh was an evolved human. • In Four Months Later, it is suggested that the virus might spread to humans, although it is not known if this is true.
The virus was either created by, or can be controlled by the Company.	None	+ Viruses haven't got a certain explanation to their origins, so it would be likely that the virus was created by someone. + Bob was very eager to hire Mohinder to the Company to research the virus, using Shanti's name to pique his interests. + Bob hinted that Mohinder would be famous if he cured a virus that spread to the general population. • The Company would have a vested interest in a virus that affects evolved humans. Some members of the Company are evolved humans and Bob implies that much of the Company's resources come from his ability.
Sylar was infected with the virus by the company.	None
The desolated, alternate Dark Future (different from the one caused by the explosion) in New York City at the end of The Line is a result of the Shanti virus.	None.	+ It has been hinted at for some time that the virus might cross over into the general population. + The previews for Out of Time say that "93% of the world's population is dead" and several people are shown wearing hazmat suits. + The altered Shanti virus that Mohinder destroyed could have somehow seeped into the ground, exposing the water supply of the general public to its unknown effects.
Mohinder will attempt to infect Maya with the Shanti virus to "cure" her of her ability, causing the devastating plague witnessed by Peter and Caitlin in a vision.	Maya is seeking Chandra Suresh in order to be "cured" (Four Months Later) When the Company wanted Mohinder to use the virus to de-power Monica, he objected in part because she "loves her abilities". (The Line)	+ Maya's ability has been noted to be the "emission of a plague" by Tim Kring. It's possible that the Shanti virus might somehow interact with this plague. • Mohinder is worried that the modified virus might have unintended results, including a possible cross-over to the general population. + Sylar clearly stated he will kill Alejandro (The Line), making it impossible for him to reverse the process. + Maya and Alejandro are going to New York, that's probably where the virus starts to spread since people are ordered to evacuate from the city (The Line)"