OBJECTIVETo study the relationship between the distribution of rabies virus and genetic variation, the genetic characterization and variation of rabies virus strains in China were analyzed.

METHODSThe downstream 720 nucleotides of Nucleoprotein (N) gene coding region of the rabies specimens from different areas and host animals were sequenced, and then homology and phylogenesis were analyzed.

RESULTSNucleotide similarities of 34 N gene sequences were 87.5%-100%, and the deduced amino acid similarities were 93.3%-99.6%. Most of the nucleotide variations were synonymous mutations.

CONCLUSIONThe 34 rabies specimens all belong to genotype I and are of regional characteristic. The rabies viruses in high-incidence areas in China are of various origins and present the transmission tendency from high-incidence areas to surrounding regions. There may be cross-infection and mutual spread of rabies virus between wildlife and domestic animals as well as native and foreign animals.