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Abstract
This case study familiarizes readers with a disease that affects millions of people in Central and South America while illustrating a relatively uncommon route of transmission. The narrative is based on reports of oral transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease, through consumption of freshly prepared juices contaminated with T. cruzi. Students read about two plantation workers in Brazil who develop a disease with ambiguous symptoms of unknown origin, and then research potential causes, diagnostic tests, and treatments. Students will need to apply critical thinking skills to determine the most likely pathogen, understand the basic biology of that pathogen, and synthesize plans for a public health campaign aimed at decreasing the incidence of the disease. The case also touches on socioeconomic issues associated with neglected tropical diseases. Designed for use in an undergraduate microbiology course, the case is also appropriate for high school or undergraduate courses in introductory biology, microbiology, parasitology, and public health. It may even be useful for an interdisciplinary Latin American studies program.