Ernesto Abel-Santos

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Professor, Biochemistry
Expertise: Bacterial Spore Germination, Bio-organic Chemistry, Bioterrorism, Enzymology

Biography

Ernesto Abel-Santos’ research combines the areas of organic chemistry, biochemistry and microbiology. In his lab, Abel-Santos works with bacterial spores, including anthrax and the hospital infection, Clostridium difficile (C-diff). He also is part of a collaborative research group looking at bacteria that affects chickens and honeybees. 

Abel-Santos developed new techniques for evaluating mechanisms of Bacillus and Clostridium spore germination. He also investigates new methods to control anthrax infections, which are resistant to most antiseptic and antibiotic treatments. He has developed nucleoside inhibitors against anthrax spore germination.

He is the co-founder of Able Therapeutics LLC, a start up company that is researching, developing, and commercializing the first and only preventative medicine for treating Clostridium difficile, one of the fastest growing epidemics in the U.S. C-diff spores can be contracted anytime a patient is in a hospital, nursing home, surgery center, or other similar facility.

Education

  • Ph.D., Bioorganic Chemistry, Washington School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
  • B.S., Chemistry, Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

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Ernesto Abel-Santos In The News

New Drug That Might Prevent Clostridioides Difficile Infections in Development
Science Times
About 500,000 people in the United States suffer from gastrointestinal infections from Clostridioides difficile (C. diff). Over 20,000 die from the infections.
Scientists make critical progress toward preventing C. diff infections
Science Mag
Each year, about 500,000 people in the U.S. deal with gastrointestinal infections from Clostridioides difficile (C. diff), and more than 20,000 die from these infections. A new study performed in mice has identified a compound that prevented C. diff infection caused by multiple strains of the bacterium, including those that cause serious illness. Researchers are now using this compound to develop new drug candidates that might eventually offer a way to prevent serious C. diff infections in people.
New drug could help 500,000 gastrointestinal patients in the US
Interesting Engineering
Gastrointestinal infections from Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) affect about 500,000 people in the U.S. a year, 20,000 of which die. Now, a new study performed in mice may have found a solution for the condition.
13 areas at home that are full of germs (and how to clean them)
AARP
Even though you can't see them, your home is full of microscopic germs that can make your family or visitors sick. "Even the cleanest home has bacteria and viruses," says Ernesto Abel-Santos, a professor of biochemistry at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. "In fact, most have benefits for us."
All Ernesto Abel-Santos In The News

Articles Featuring Ernesto Abel-Santos

UNLV Newsmakers 2020: Combatting COVID-19
medical worker in full protective suit making "LV" sign with hands
Business and Community | December 31, 2020

As the pandemic tightened its grip on Nevada, the nation, and the world, UNLV responded in ways big and small. Members of the media also turned to UNLV's faculty experts for answers.

Cleaning up the Germs that Cause COVID-19
A hand is seen wiping a folder with a UNLV logo
Research | August 11, 2020

As summer comes to a close and classrooms open, UNLV biochemist Ernesto Abel-Santos offers cleaning best practices.

UNLV Newsmakers 2020: July
A portrait of U.N.L.V.'s new president Keith Whitfield on campus.
Campus News | August 10, 2020

As summer heats up, so do the accomplishments on UNLV’s campus.

All Articles Featuring Ernesto Abel-Santos