Hidden gaps, hidden costs: eight studies on outbreaks, care and resistance

Rope squirrels are suspected reservoirs of mpox virus in Central Africa, but their diversity may be greater than previously recognised. Combining DNA analyses with physical measurements, researchers reassessed rope squirrels in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and found evidence of at least six species-level lineages, including two potentially novel species. The Congo and Kasaï rivers appear to shape their distributions, potentially acting as barriers between groups. These findings lay the groundwork for further research into squirrel biodiversity and their potential role in mpox virus circulation. 

Baelo, P., Fourchault, L., Ceulemans, A., Laurent, N., Mande, C., Laudisoit, A., ... & Mariën, J. (2026). Reassessing the diversity and distribution of African rope squirrels (Funisciurus Trouessart, 1880) in the Congo Basin. Journal of Mammalogy, gyag084. https://doi.org/10.1093/jmammal/gyag084

(c) image: Charles J Sharp

Many dangerous viruses still have no effective treatment. In this review, researchers explore how antiviral drugs could be developed to work against several different RNA viruses, including Ebola, dengue and respiratory viruses. They highlight promising drug targets and existing candidate medicines, but stress that much more research and clinical testing are needed. Developing and testing these treatments before outbreaks occur could improve preparedness for future epidemics and pandemics. 

Thibaut, H. J., Jochmans, D., Van Dijck, C., Laporte, M., Liesenborghs, L., & Neyts, J. (2026). Towards broader-spectrum direct-acting antivirals against RNA viruses. Nature Reviews Microbiology, 1-20. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41579-026-01372-1

Melioidosis can closely resemble tuberculosis on lung CT scans. Researchers compared scans from 151 adults with diabetes in southern India. Features often associated with tuberculosis, such as upper-lung involvement, cavities, small nodules and enlarged necrotic lymph nodes, were also seen in melioidosis. Although some findings were more common in one infection, there was considerable overlap. The study highlights why laboratory testing remains essential for accurate diagnosis and timely treatment. 

Gupta, N., Mukhopadhyay, C., Kumar, T. P., Salian, K., PS, P., Malla, S., ... & Bottieau, E. (2026). Computed Tomographic Features Associated with Pulmonary Melioidosis versus Pulmonary Tuberculosis in Diabetic Patients: A Retrospective Comparative Cohort Study. The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, tpmd260337. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC13675693/