Shall we add it to the list of "splinter groups"? ... The Viral Party?
My response would be that we tend to see in others what we are ourselves! I have posted elsewhere on the parasitical nature of the sanyasin Brahmakumaris. A parasite, something that lives of others, is not quite the same as a virus, which is unable to grow or reproduce outside of its host.
Biologists debate whether or not viruses are living organisms, some considering them non-living as they do not meet the criteria of the definition of life. They can also be completely eliminated by immune systems. Most ex-BKs probably have good immunity to the BK virii. Most non-BKs do. We ought to study this metaphor.
'Parasitism' is a type of symbiotic relationship between organisms of different species in which one, the parasite, benefits from a prolonged, close association with the other or host which is harmed in the process. In general, parasites are much smaller than their hosts, show a high degree of specialization for their mode of life and reproduce quickly.
The harm and benefit in parasitic interactions concern the welfare of the organisms involved. One might suggest that the harm and benefit in socially parasitic behaviour concern the welfare of the society involved. Biologically, parasites reduce host fitness in many ways, ranging from general or specialized pathology (such as castration), impairment of secondary sex characteristics, to the modification of host behaviour whilst in the process, parasites increase their fitness by exploiting their hosts for food, habitat and dispersal.
Again, I think we can see that metaphorically too. It would make an interesting and serious dissertation; the biological spread of religious meme through reproduction versus the viral spread of religious meme which inevitably identifies some cultic involvement, e.g. a hothouse isolation period whilst a new host (adherent) is sufficiently infected (intoxicated) in order to go out and spread the virus (evangelise/do service) without losing the infection (immunity). Within the BK model, regular periods of re-infection are required (going to Madhuban/retreats/meeting with senior Sisters) and total isolation from the influence of anti-bodies (PBKs and ex-BK) in order to keep the infected host (BK) active.
In my opinion, the parasitical element within the Brahma-kumaris are the not people we see ... but the spirits we do not see. The followers are just passing the virus on. But, jay, excuse me. Let me give some more thought to your questions.