Parasites

Parasites
In Objectified, a parasitic organism is ravaging the Rings that seems to originate from affected respawn terminals and spreads through contact. Parasites make their way into the body and then transform the host into a variety of abominations, so far consisting of festering fleshy and insectoid growths. The speed at which objects are assimilated varies, but they vary wildly in appearance.

Assimilated objects are hostile/aggressive entities that wander the Rings.

Additional Info

 * In episode 7, A parasite charges towards Wagyu before halting, then walks away. Given the context in episode 14 that reveals that Wagyu is infected, one can assume that parasites will not attack members of their own species.
 * In episode 19, the silhouettes of parasites can be seen hanging around an alien-like structure atop a waterway that Comet begrudgingly drinks from, showing us that assimilated objects are capable of building or generating structures. The structure featured in this episode has a budding crystalline growth at its center that hums softly.