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One of the genetic benefits of having survived the Black Plague is a stronger than average immune system when you contract HIV.
My Uncle contracted it in the early 1980s. And, as of his death a year ago, he never converted. He donated massive amounts of blood. They also took blood from his side of the family (me included) to look for the genetic markers that indicate you survived the plague.
One of the genetic benefits of having survived the Black Plague is a stronger than average immune system when you contract HIV.
My Uncle contracted it in the early 1980s. And, as of his death a year ago, he never converted. He donated massive amounts of blood. They also took blood from his side of the family (me included) to look for the genetic markers that indicate you survived the plague.
Really fascinating, also for the plague itself, the evolutionary trade off where you can survive that event but then be rendered obsolete in the future.