The Last of Us

Instead of a mutation of a virus or even a made up element, theese zombies are made from a real life fungus called cordyceps. Cordyceps effects insects brains by killing there brain and taking control of there body. Heres a picture:

Cordyceps fungus is a neuroparasite that release airbon spores which attacks and take over the hosts nervous system. This causes behavioral changes that allow the spore to spread even more.