Prevalence and Risk Factors for Antimicrobial Resistance of Infections in a High-Risk Population.

() infections and antibiotic resistance are increasing in prevalence while treatment options are limited. Limited data exist regarding resistance in Israel. Our aim was to study the prevalence of resistance in a sexually transmitted infection (STI) clinic in Israel. We performed a single-center retrospective study among patients attending an STI clinic during 2019-2020. isolates were tested to detect their resistance to azithromycin and fluoroquinolones (FQs) using commercial kits (Allplex™ & AziR Assay, Allplex™ & MoxiR Assay). We collected patient data regarding the risk factors for STIs and resistance. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to identify the risk factors for resistance. Of the 142 patients who tested positive for , 50 (35.2%) and 22 (15.5%) had resistant mutations to azithromycin and FQ, respectively, and 13 (9.2%) showed resistance to both agents. In a multivariate logistic regression model, men who have sex with men (RR 7.01 95% CI 3.00-16.33) and past STIs (RR 2.33 95% CI 1.01-5.34) were independent risk factors for azithromycin resistance. We found a high prevalence of azithromycin resistance and, to a lesser degree, FQ resistance. These findings may help design the treatment guidelines and support routine resistance testing in high-risk populations.