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The World Health Organization (WHO), reports that rabies causes tens of thousands of deaths every year killing humans, non-human primates and other animals. Rabies continues to be a public health issue, despite the existence of effective vaccines. The dogs remain the primary reservoir and transmitter of rabies to humans globally. In the Americas, bats are regarded as the second most common source of rabies virus to humans. The vampire bat Desmodus rotundus has been identified as a natural reservoir of rabies virus (RABV) in this region. The complete genome of the RABV variant maintained by populations of vampire bats D. rotundus has rarely been reported. In this study, we sequenced and analyzed the genome of a RABV variant detected in D. rotundus. The sample, collected from an endemic area in São Paulo State, was phylogenetically compared with the genome of the standard sample for species Rabies virus as well as other samples belonging to terrestrial and bat-associated cycles of rabies transmission, available in GenBank. Distinct patterns linked to the genetic lineage were identified. These data can aid in the understanding of the molecular epidemiology of this virus and the epidemiological importance of this species in the transmission of the RABV. • Rabies virus (RABV) Desmodus rotundus genetic lineage is the primary bat variant circulating in Brazil. • Between 2008 and 2011, we performed phylogenetic analysis of a near full-length genome of from the D. rotundus lineage. • Genetic signatures, such as residues Leu 82 , Ala 148 , Leu 184 , and Asp 192 were observed in the vampire bat lineage sequences. • Genotyping and evolutionary studies like this one are essential to understand the genetic diversity of D. rotundus lineage • The RABV transmission in different hosts and the importance of the epidemiological role of vampire bats is unquestionable. • Bats are frequently accused of only being RABV reservoirs without consideration of the importance of their ecological role [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]