Which viral infection is the most common cause of dacryoadenitis, particularly in children?

The most common viral infection that leads to dacryoadenitis, especially in children, is mumps. This illness is highly contagious and is known for causing swelling of the salivary glands, as well as involvement of other glandular tissues, including the lacrimal glands, which can result in dacryoadenitis. In children, the incidence of mumps was significantly reduced with the implementation of the mumps vaccination, but prior to widespread vaccination, mumps was a leading cause of this condition.

Dacryoadenitis is characterized by inflammation of the lacrimal gland, and in the pediatric population, infections such as mumps are significant contributors. Other viral infections can certainly lead to dacryoadenitis, but mumps has been documented as the predominant cause in children, particularly before the era of vaccination. Understanding the common causative agents of dacryoadenitis is crucial for proper diagnosis and management in pediatric patients.