Genetic variability of Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto in Europe inferred by mitochondrial DNA sequences

► We evaluated, the genetic diversity of Echinococcus granulosus s.s. from four European countries. ► Intraspecific variation was observed between the Eastern European and Italian populations. ► Comparing the sequences of this study with that deposed in the GenBank, a clinal correlation in Eurasia was observed. ► This clinal correlation could reflect the spreading of livestock domestication from S-W Asia. ► This work allows to clarify the origin and the spreading of E. granulosus in the Eurasian continent.