Rotavirus infection is diagnosed by the presence of-
**Core Concept**
Rotavirus infection is a major cause of severe gastroenteritis in infants and young children. The diagnosis of rotavirus infection is typically made by detecting the presence of the virus or its antigens in stool samples.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer is **Option C:** Electron microscopy, as it is a sensitive method for detecting rotavirus particles in stool samples. Rotavirus is a non-enveloped, double-stranded RNA virus that can be visualized using electron microscopy due to its characteristic wheel-like appearance. This method is particularly useful for diagnosing rotavirus infection in children with severe gastroenteritis.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Stool culture is not a reliable method for diagnosing rotavirus infection, as the virus is easily inactivated during the culture process.
**Option B:** Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is a useful method for detecting rotavirus antigens in stool samples, but it is not the most sensitive method available.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
It's essential to note that rotavirus infection can be prevented by vaccination, which is a crucial public health measure to reduce the burden of gastroenteritis in children.
**Correct Answer: C. Electron microscopy.**