RESUMO
The aim of this study was to evaluate genetic diversity, distribution, evolution and population structure of Brazilian Brachyspira hyodysenteriae strains isolated from swine. Multilocus Sequence Typing (MLST) analysis using seven housekeeping genes was applied to 46 isolates obtained from outbreaks of swine dysentery that occurred between 2011 and 2015 in the states of Minas Gerais, São Paulo, Mato Grosso, Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina. Historical isolates from Rio Grande do Sul obtained in 1998 were also included in the study. An independent international profile of the global sequences deposited in the B. hyodysenteriae database was used for comparisons with the Brazilian strains. All isolates from 2011 to 2015 were classified into nine sequence type (STs) and divided into four clonal complexes. These findings indicated genetic relationships among the B. hyodysenteriae from different Brazilian states, among historical strains isolated in 1998 and from recent outbreaks, and relatedness with global isolates. Seven STs were unique and, to date, only reported in Brazil.