Mitochondrial gene order change in Schistosoma (Platyhelminthes: Digenea: Schistosomatidae)

► Mitochondrial genome (mtDNA) order is established for 18 species of Schistosoma. ► A phylogeny for Schistosoma cannot determine unequivocally the ancestral geographic origin of the genus. ► Gene order change consists of two sequential transposition events. ► Change occurred in the stem group of a clade including S. incognitum and members of S. mansoni, S. indicum and S. haematobium species groups.