Not exactly the same, but Alastair Reynolds has an idea in some of his books (e.g. Absolution gap) of religions genetically engineering viruses that literally i

Not exactly the same, but Alastair Reynolds has an idea in some of his books (e.g. Absolution gap) of religions genetically engineering viruses that literally infect people and give them religious experiences that match up to their religion. One of the characters has been infected by one, but remains an atheist despite unwanted visions and occasional religious experiences.