SXT-Related Integrating Conjugative Element in New World <i>Vibrio cholerae</i>

Abstract

SXT-related integrating conjugative elements (ICEs) became prevalent in Asian Vibrio cholerae populations after V. cholerae O139 emerged. Here, we describe an SXT-related ICE, ICEVchMex1, in a Mexican environmental V. cholerae isolate. Identification of ICEVchMex1 represents the first description of an SXT-related ICE in the Western Hemisphere. The significant differences between the SXT and ICEVchMex1 genomes suggest that these ICEs have evolved independently.