Which treatment is considered appropriate for rotavirus infection?

Fluid and electrolyte replacement is the most appropriate treatment for a rotavirus infection. Rotavirus is known to cause severe gastroenteritis, leading to significant diarrhea and vomiting, which can result in dehydration. Given the virus's nature, supportive care is crucial, and the primary concern is to maintain hydration and electrolyte balance.

Rehydration can be achieved through oral rehydration solutions or, in more severe cases, intravenous fluids. This treatment helps to restore lost fluids and electrolytes, thereby preventing the complications associated with dehydration. Since rotavirus infections are typically self-limiting, supportive care is often the most effective approach, allowing the body's immune system to address the viral infection without the need for specific antiviral therapies.

Other treatment options listed, such as antiviral drugs targeting membrane fusion or proteolytic processing, are not applicable to rotavirus. Metronidazole is an antibiotic that is effective against anaerobic bacteria and some protozoa, but it has no efficacy against viral infections like rotavirus. Thus, these alternatives do not offer a viable solution for managing rotavirus infections.