Dr. Carla Muñoz Antoli-Candela | Parasitología | Outstanding Contribution Award

Carla Teresa Muñoz Antoli-Candela is a distinguished academic and researcher specializing in parasitology, with a focus on intestinal helminths, particularly the Echinostomatidae family. With extensive experience as a Titular University Professor and the Director of the Master’s Degree in Tropical Parasitic Diseases, she has significantly contributed to both research and education. Her work explores the complex interactions between parasites and hosts, aiming to understand resistance mechanisms in parasitic infections. She has mentored numerous postgraduate students and has been at the forefront of international research, leading several projects that have impacted global health, especially in developing countries. Carla’s dedication extends beyond academia, with involvement in educational innovation and inter-university collaborations worldwide.

Profile Verified:

Orcid

Education:

Carla’s educational journey reflects a deep commitment to parasitology. She completed her undergraduate degree in Pharmacy at the University of Valencia in Spain, where she furthered her expertise by earning a University Master’s Degree and a PhD in Parasitology. Her academic training has been supplemented with international research stays at institutions such as the Institute of Zoology at Friedrich-Alexander-Universität in Germany and the University of Glasgow in the UK, which allowed her to enhance her research skills and global perspectives. These formative years have equipped Carla with the scientific acumen necessary to make substantial contributions to the field of parasitology, particularly in understanding parasitic diseases and their transmission dynamics.

Experience:

Carla has over two decades of experience in academia, having held several significant positions at the University of Valencia. As a Titular University Professor since 2008, she has taught both undergraduate and postgraduate students in fields such as pharmacy, human nutrition, and tropical parasitic diseases. Her leadership extends beyond the classroom, as she serves as the Director of the Master’s in Tropical Parasitic Diseases and coordinates the Bachelor’s program in Pharmacy. Carla’s commitment to higher education is paralleled by her research achievements, including leading numerous projects on intestinal helminth infections and contributing to global health initiatives. Her involvement in scientific leadership also includes serving as Secretary of the Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology and Parasitology at the University of Valencia, where she helped shape the direction of parasitology research.

Research Interests:

Carla’s research interests are centered around the immunology of parasitic diseases, particularly the role of host immunity in resistance to intestinal helminth infections. Her work has significantly advanced the understanding of immune responses, such as the role of interleukin-25 (IL-25) in mediating resistance against parasitic infections like Echinostoma caproni. Her research aims to uncover the biological determinants of parasitic infection resistance and chronicity, exploring factors that affect the host-parasite relationship. Carla’s studies extend to microbiota interactions, which play a crucial role in determining susceptibility or resistance to parasitic infections. Her ongoing projects focus on the development of diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies to combat neglected tropical diseases, particularly in under-resourced regions.

Awards:

Carla’s outstanding contributions to the field of parasitology have earned her numerous accolades, including the recognition of her research periods and a prestigious six-year research grant. She has been awarded for her leadership in educational innovation and her role in advancing scientific knowledge on parasitic diseases. Her work has garnered global recognition, and her impact can be seen through her participation in international research projects and her mentoring of future parasitologists. Carla’s contributions extend beyond research and teaching, as she continues to influence the scientific community through her involvement in international collaborations and development cooperation projects, particularly in countries like Nicaragua.

Publications:

Carla has published a series of high-impact research articles that have contributed to advancements in the understanding of parasitic diseases and their diagnosis. Below are some notable publications:

1. Muñoz-Antoli, C., Pavón, A., Comas, J., Toledo, R., & Esteban, J.G. (2024). “Presence of Intestinal Parasites in Patients with Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases in Masaya (Nicaragua).” Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease. Q2: 13/45 🦠

2. Esteban, J.G., Muñoz-Antolí, C., Toledo, R., & Ash, L.R. (2024). “Diagnosis of Human Trematode Infections.” Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology. Q2: 33/94 🏥

3. Toledo, R., Conciancic, P., Fiallos, E., Esteban, J.G., & Muñoz-Antolí, C. (2024). “Echinostomes and Other Intestinal Trematode Infections.” Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology. Q2: 33/94 🐛

4. Muñoz-Antoli, C., Irisarri-Gutiérrez, M.J., Acosta, L., Bonet, M.J., Esteban, J.G., & Toledo, R. (2023). “Intestinal Parasitic Infections and Their Potential Risk Factors Among Prison Inmates in Valencia, Spain.” Infectious Diseases. Q1: 31/132 🏥

5. Toledo, R., Álvarez-Izquierdo, M., Esteban, J.G., & Muñoz-Antolí, C. (2022). “Neglected Food-borne Trematodiases: Echinostomiasis and Gastrodiscoidiasis.” Parasitology. Q2: 18/45 🌍

Conclusion:

Carla Teresa Muñoz Antoli-Candela’s career is a testament to her unwavering dedication to parasitology and global health. Through her extensive research, education, and international collaborations, she has made invaluable contributions to the study of parasitic diseases, particularly intestinal helminths. Her role as an educator and mentor has helped shape the next generation of parasitologists, while her leadership in scientific research has improved diagnostic techniques and therapeutic strategies for combating tropical parasitic diseases. Carla’s impactful publications, recognition in the scientific community, and commitment to global health initiatives make her a deserving nominee for the Outstanding Contribution Award.