Final answer:
The ideal antibiotic should have high bioavailability and tissue penetration to effectively reach the site of infection. Oral administration is the most suitable for home treatment of systemic infections, and the choice between narrow-spectrum and broad-spectrum antimicrobials depends on the known or unknown nature of the pathogen.
Step-by-step explanation:
Characteristics of the Ideal Antibiotic
An ideal antibiotic would have the characteristic of high bioavailability and tissue penetration (C), ensuring that the drug reaches the site of infection effectively. As for selective toxicity, this refers to the drug's ability to harm the microbial target without damaging the host. Antimicrobial drugs should have a suitable mode of action to address specific pathogens with minimal side effects. Moreover, when considering the route of administration for treating a systemic infection at home, oral administration (A) is typically the most appropriate and convenient method.
The importance of a drug's spectrum of activity is also to be considered, it determines the range of bacteria the drug can target. A narrow-spectrum antimicrobial is chosen when the pathogen is specifically known, while a broad-spectrum antimicrobial is used when the range of possible pathogens is wide or unknown. If the infection is severe, and the patient is immunocompromised or facing a life-threatening infection, a bactericidal drug is recommended as opposed to a bacteriostatic one.