Microfilaria in a thyroid nodule discovered by fine needle aspiration cytology

Filariasis is a major health problem in tropical countries, including India. The disease is endemic all over India, especially in Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, Bihar, Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Gujarat. A heavy parasitic load may appear in the blood, urine with chyle, and at times in scrotal aspirates. It is very unusual to find microfilaria in thyroid aspirate. Here, we present a rare case in which microfilaria was found during fine needle aspiration cytology of a solitary thyroid nodule.