[hellofunk]

This implies that the genetic link is somewhat of a coincidence, the family members just happen to have all caught the same virus? Is that the right interpretation? Because BD does seem to come in waves in families.

[adammichaelc]

It’s not just that they caught the virus, but that their immune systems are unable to defeat the virus. So, the battle remains active for life, and becomes a chronic infection.

Presumably, this would suggest that the genetic component is the susceptibility to the virus, and inability to defeat it.

[hellofunk]

Seems unlikely that virus is so prevalent to infect multiple family members that do not cohabitate but nonetheless show genetic link for BD.

[coolgeek]

Perhaps it's both? Some people/families are more genetically predisposed, but it takes the virus to actually trigger BPD?

[hellofunk]

I doubt it. Is it common that everyone eventually catches that virus?