Viral nucleic acid analysis with PCR in lacrimal tissue and nasal swab samples of primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction cases

Yanik, Özge; Hosal, Banu; Tekeli, Alper; Nalci, Hilal

The respiratory mucosa and nasolacrimal duct epithelium has similar immunological and histological features. First, the nasolacrimal duct is a direct extension of the nasal mucosa and has been shown to include ectopic nasal epithelial cells. 11 In addition, respiratory mucosa and nasolacrimal duct has the same sialic acid sequences in the end of the glycoproteins that serve almost as a receptor for infectious agents. 12 These close anatomical and immunological relationships may cause an expansion of the virus inoculation to the nasolacrimal duct during upper respiratory tract infections. Similarly, viral conjunctivitis may easily extend into the lacrimal sac and nasolacrimal duct mucosa in the direction of tear drainage. A higher frequency of histories of infectious (viral or bacterial) conjunctivitis in cases with PANDO was previously reported. 13 The aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of respiratory and ocular viruses in the PANDO pathogenesis.