The anaerobic bacteria found in infected thyroid
are known members of the oro-pharyngeal flora,
and may spread to the gland in a similar fashion as
the aerobic pathogens of similar origin. The isolation
of anaerobic organisms as the sole isolate of an
inflamed thyroid gland suggests that they may play
an important role in the pathogenesis of acute ST.
This highlights the need for clinical awareness of
their importance as potential causes of this infection.