SXT-Related Integrating Conjugative Element in New World Vibrio cholerae

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, ICE Vch Mex1, in a Mexican environmental V. cholerae isolate. Identification of ICE Vch Mex1 represents the first description of an SXT-related ICE in the Western Hemisphere. The significant differences between the SXT and ICE Vch Mex1 genomes suggest that these ICEs have evolved independently.