A hidden culprit: Unusual thyroid involvement in melioidosis—A case report

Abstract Melioidosis, caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei , is a serious infection with a wide range of clinical presentations; however, thyroid gland involvement is exceptionally rare.We present the case of a 56-year-old woman with poorly controlled diabetes who developed painful anterior neck swelling. Imaging suggested a thyroid lesion, and aspiration revealed pus. Culture and polymerase chain reaction confirmed B. pseudomallei . She was treated with intravenous ceftazidime followed by long-term oral cotrimoxazole and was completely cured on four-month follow-up. This case illustrates the need to consider melioidosis in the differential diagnosis of thyroid abscesses, especially in diabetic patients from tuberculosis endemic areas, and emphasises the importance of early targeted therapy.