Table 3. Comparison of two antimicrobial paradigms. Classical antimicrobials contending with a single target exploit phenotypic differences between the host and pathogen. Host-modulating antimicrobials target pathogen properties as developed through co-evolution with the host. Consequently, while broad-spectrum antivirals like remdesivir are magic bullets exclusively targeting viruses, immunomodulatory properties of azithromycin, ivermectin, niclosamide, and nitazoxanide have rationalised their use against bacterial, parasitic, and viral infections. Pan-pathogen antimicrobials, therefore, have emerged from magic blanket, not magic bullet, development.