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.