Differential Diagnosis for Scratch from Bearded Dragon

• Single most likely diagnosis:
  • Bacterial infection (e.g., Pasteurella, Streptococcus, Staphylococcus): This is the most likely diagnosis due to the common presence of bacteria on the skin and in the mouths of bearded dragons, which can be introduced into the wound through a scratch.
• Other Likely diagnoses:
  • Viral infection (e.g., Herpes simplex): Although less common, viral infections can be transmitted through contact with the bearded dragon's saliva or mucus.
  • Fungal infection (e.g., Candida): Fungal infections can occur, especially if the scratch becomes contaminated with fungal spores from the environment.
  • Allergic reaction: Some individuals may be allergic to the proteins in the bearded dragon's saliva or skin, leading to an allergic reaction.
• Do Not Miss diagnoses:
  • Salmonella infection: Bearded dragons can carry Salmonella bacteria, which can be transmitted to humans through contact with their feces, saliva, or skin. Salmonella infections can be severe and even life-threatening, especially in immunocompromised individuals.
  • Tetanus infection: Although rare, tetanus infection can occur if the scratch becomes contaminated with tetanus spores, which can be found in soil and the gastrointestinal tracts of animals.
• Rare diagnoses:
  • Mycobacterial infection (e.g., Mycobacterium marinum): These infections are rare but can occur if the scratch becomes contaminated with mycobacteria from the environment or the bearded dragon's skin.
  • Leptospirosis: Although rare, leptospirosis can be transmitted through contact with the urine or saliva of infected animals, including bearded dragons.