Question

Which of the following laboratory test is used to diagnose rotavirus diarrhea?

• A. Antigen detection in the stool sample
• B. Antigen detection in blood
• C. Antibody detection in serum
• D. Light microscopy of stool specimen

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

To diagnose rotavirus diarrhea, the most appropriate laboratory test is the detection of rotavirus antigens in a stool sample. Rotavirus is an infectious agent that primarily affects the gastrointestinal tract, leading to diarrhea. The stool sample test specifically identifies the presence of rotavirus antigens by using immunoassay techniques, which are highly sensitive and specific for this purpose.

Here’s a breakdown of why each option is considered and why the antigen detection in the stool sample is preferred:

Test Method	Reasoning
Antigen detection in the stool sample	This method is favored because rotavirus thrives in the intestines and is shed in large quantities in the feces during infection, making stool an ideal sample for detection.
Antigen detection in blood	While possible, antigen detection in blood is not a routine method for diagnosing rotavirus infections as the virus primarily targets the gut, not the bloodstream.
Antibody detection in serum	This test detects the host immune response rather than the presence of the virus itself; it is less useful for acute diagnosis.
Light microscopy of stool specimen	Light microscopy is non-specific and less effective compared to immunoassays for detecting specific viral pathogens like rotavirus.

Ultimately, antigen detection in a stool sample is a direct and effective method for diagnosing rotavirus diarrhea, providing rapid and reliable results.