Causes and Risk Factors of Behçet’s Disease
The causes and risk factors of Behçet’s disease are not fully understood, but researchers believe it results from a combination of genetic, immune, and environmental factors. What sets Behçet’s apart from many other autoimmune diseases is its wide range of symptoms and vascular inflammation.
Key contributing factors:
- Genetic predisposition
- People with a specific genetic marker, HLA-B51, are at increased risk.
- This gene is more common in people from the Middle East and East Asia but can be found globally.
- Immune system dysfunction
- Behçet’s is considered an auto-inflammatory disorder, meaning the immune system becomes overactive, particularly during flares.
- Instead of targeting infections, the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues.
- Infectious triggers
- Infections may play a role in triggering the disease, especially in genetically susceptible individuals.
- Viral or bacterial infections can spark an immune response that persists even after the infection resolves.
- Environmental exposure
- Exposure to certain pathogens or toxins may initiate symptoms in genetically predisposed people.
Risk factors include:
- Age: Most commonly begins between ages 20 and 40
- Gender: In some populations (e.g., Middle East), men are more severely affected
- Ethnicity: More common in people from the Silk Road region, but present worldwide
- Family history: Having a relative with Behçet’s may slightly increase risk
In South Africa, Behçet’s disease is rare, which can make diagnosis difficult. Many patients may be misdiagnosed with conditions such as lupus, herpes, or Crohn’s disease, particularly if symptoms occur in isolation.
Healthcare providers should suspect Behçet’s if a person experiences recurrent mouth and genital ulcers, unexplained eye inflammation, or vascular symptoms across multiple body systems.
Causes and Risk Factors of Behçet’s Disease
While it is not contagious and does not spread between people, Behçet’s is lifelong and requires ongoing medical care. Identifying risk factors and symptoms early allows for timely intervention and improved outcomes.
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