Genetic polymorphisms of Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto in the Middle East

► Genetic polymorphism of Echinococcus granulosus s. s. in the Middle East was examined. ► Mitochondrial DNA gene (cox1) sequences were determined. ► Common haplotype was obtained from Iran, Jordan, China and Peru. ► Occurrence of bottleneck event was indicated in all examined populations. ► E. granulosus has possibly dispersed worldwide following the spread of pastoralism.