Why are antibiotics considered effective for treating infections?

Antibiotics are considered effective for treating infections primarily because they have low toxicity for humans and animals. This characteristic allows antibiotics to target and eliminate bacterial infections without causing significant harm to the host's cells. The design of antibiotics is such that they can selectively inhibit bacterial processes, like cell wall synthesis or protein production, while sparing human cells due to the differences between prokaryotic (bacterial) and eukaryotic (human) cell structures.

For example, penicillin works by inhibiting the enzyme needed for bacterial cell wall synthesis, which is not present in human cells, thus effectively eradicating the bacteria without damaging the host. This selective action is essential, as it allows antibiotics to treat infections safely, enabling patients to recover from bacterial diseases without suffering severe adverse effects.

The other options highlight harmful attributes that do not align with the purpose or effectiveness of antibiotics. High toxicity and severe side effects would undermine their utility, while enhancing the infection contradicts their fundamental role in treatment. Therefore, the low toxicity for humans and animals is what makes antibiotics valuable in the management of infections.