Phylogenomics of novel clones of <i>Aeromonas veronii</i> recovered from a freshwater lake reveals unique biosynthetic gene clusters

Lakes and other aquatic ecosystems can harbor harmful bacteria that can make people sick and resist antibiotics, posing a significant global health risk. In this study, we investigated <i>Aeromonas veronii</i>, a Gram-negative bacteria found in Lake Wilcox in Ontario. We used various techniques, including whole-genome sequencing (WGS), to analyze the bacteria and found that many of the isolates had the potential to cause human disease. We also discovered significant genetic diversity among the isolates, indicating that the lake may be a reservoir for multiple human pathogenic strains. All isolates carried genes that confer resistance to antibiotics, and some virulence genes were associated with human pathogenic isolates. This study highlights the importance of monitoring aquatic ecosystems for harmful bacteria to better understand their evolution, potential for human pathogenicity, and the ecological roles of their genetic elements. This knowledge can inform strategies for preventing the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and protecting public health.