Abstract
Botulinum neurotoxin-producing clostridia are diverse in the types of toxins they produce as well as in their overall genomic composition. They are globally distributed, with prevalent species and toxin types found within distinct geographic regions, but related strains containing the same toxin types may also be located on distinct continents. The mechanisms behind the spread of these bacteria and the independent movements of their bont genes may be understood through examination of their genetic backgrounds. The generation of 15 complete genomic sequences from bacteria isolated in Argentina, Australia, and Africa allows for a thorough examination of genome features, including overall relationships, bont gene cluster locations and arrangements, and plasmid comparisons, in bacteria isolated from various areas in the southern hemisphere. Insights gained from these examinations provide an understanding of the mechanisms behind the independent movements of these elements among distinct species.