Multi-viral canaliculitis: case report and review of literature.

AIM: To report an atypical case of multiple viruses causing canaliculitis.

METHODS

Case report of a young female presenting with atypical course of refractory unilateral canaliculitis with complete mid-bicanalicular obstructions. Canalicular scrapings were subjected to immunofluorescence techniques and polymerase chain reactions to identify the viruses.

RESULTS

Investigations revealed a canaliculitis of multi-viral etiology; herpes simplex virus and varicella zoster virus. A canalicular curettage followed by topical acyclovir helped in the resolution of canaliculitis.

CONCLUSION

An encounter with an atypical canaliculitis with negative bacteriology work up, suboptimal response to routine therapies, and mid-canalicular obstructions should alert the physician to investigate for viral etiology.