Tear glands and other associated tissue are probable reservoirs for HIV-1, and the virus can probably be transmitted through tears, according to a research report, Beijing News reported.

Li Taisheng, of Peking Union Medical College Hospital, published the report in the Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes after 6 years' research with colleagues.

He warned that doctors should be particularly careful when treating HIV-positive patients near the eyes.