Genomic characterization of clinical and environmental Vibrio cholerae O1 and O139 isolates in Jiaxing, China, with identification of a ctx-positive O139 strain harboring an IncC plasmid

Introduction: strains have been extensively studied in endemic regions, limited genomic data are available for more developed regions such as Jiaxing. Methods: O1 and O139 isolates (eight clinical and seven environmental) collected between 2021 and 2024 were analyzed. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) was performed, and whole-genome sequencing was conducted. Comparative genomic analyses were used to characterize antimicrobial resistance (AMR) determinants, virulence-associated genes, and population structure. Core genome multilocus sequence typing (cgMLST) was applied to assess genetic relatedness. Results: ) in VC0827 may enhance its toxigenic potential. Conclusion: in Jiaxing. The identification of a potentially virulent, multidrug-resistant O139 strain underscores the need for continuous genomic surveillance to monitor the emergence of toxigenic lineages and horizontal gene transfer.