Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system, causing encephalitis and almost 100% lethality once the signs and symptoms start. This study describes the genetic characterization of rabies virus strains isolated in samples from domestic and wild animals acquired in the states of Rio Grande do Norte, Paraíba and Pernambuco in the period of 2001 to 2012, aiming to contribute to the understanding of the molecular epidemiology of rabies. Eighty fivesamplespositivethrough direct immunofluorescenceandbiological test,provided by theCentral Laboratoryof Public Healthof RioGrande do Norte(LACEN-RN) and theRabies Laboratoryof the Federal Universityof CampinaGrande(UFCG-Campos Patos) were analyzed, and underwent RT-PCR directedto thenucleoprotein geneand subsequentlysequencing was performed.In this study67% ofsampleswere positiveinRT-PCR and 40% presented viablesequences. Theaggregation patternobtainedin the phylogenetic treeresulted in the formationof the main expectedgroupsof rabies virussamples, i.e., antigenic variants2, 3; insectivorous batvariant;andfixed sample(CVS).The study andconstant monitoringof these variantsare extremely important, sincegenetic changescanlead toproteinmodifications, andwith itvaccineinefficiency