Objective: The New World's endemic vector-borne diseases such as Bartonella bacilliformis infections, are overlooked in the Mediterranean countries. Currently the expansion of the global transport network and the climatic changes alert the world about the emerging vector-borne infections spreading from South America. Serological screening programs are good indicators for the presence of infectious diseases. In this study, the seroprevalence of B. bacilliformis which is a new World's vector-borne infectious agent, was investigated in healthy blood donors admitted to the hospital.

Materials and Methods: A total of 285 healthy blood donor volunteers were included in this study. All demographic data about donors were recorded on a questionnaire. All serum samples were studied by immunofluorescence antibody method and the cut-off value was accepted as a 1/256 dilution.

Results: Out of 285 serum samples only one (0.3%) was reactive. The demographic data of this donor revealed that he had a farm in the countryside and was working as a butcher, thus the seropositivity was considered as the result of a possible cross-reactivity.

Conclusion: Similar surveys that will be conducted specifically in the areas under vector-borne threats, will provide valuable information about the real situation of the emerging pathogens in Turkey. In addition, studies which will be performed about the seroprevalence of less-known pathogens in risky areas will raise awareness against pathogens.