In recent years, the Zika virus (ZIKV) epidemic that affected Brazil, particularly the Northeast region, drew attention due to cases of microcephaly and other congenital malformations, known as Congenital Zika Syndrome. The high incidence of severe cases in specific regions raised the hypothesis that environmental factors could be exacerbating the effects of the virus. A new study published in Scientific Reports and conducted by researchers from the D’Or Institute for Research and Education (IDOR) in partnership with the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) has revealed the role of saxitoxin (STX), a neurotoxin found in water reservoirs contaminated by cyanobacteria, in increasing neuronal damage caused by ZIKV.
