Which statement best distinguishes selective toxicity from host toxicity in antimicrobial therapy?

• A. Selective toxicity occurs when drugs affect both microbes and host equally, and host toxicity only refers to allergic reactions mediated by the immune system.
• B. Selective toxicity is only measured in vitro and has no clinical relevance; host toxicity is the only factor clinicians consider when prescribing antimicrobials.
• C. Selective toxicity refers to damaging microbial targets while sparing host cells, whereas host toxicity refers to adverse effects that harm the patient’s organs or tissues.
• D. Selective toxicity is the same as nephrotoxicity specifically, whereas host toxicity refers exclusively to liver damage caused by antimicrobials.

Answer: (C)