University of Tabriz Journal of Zoonotic Diseases 2476-535X 2026 02 26 Latent Toxoplasma gondii infection, general health, and academic performance in veterinary students 21301 10.22034/jzd.2026.21301 EN Maryam Ansari-Lari Department of Food Hygiene and Public Health, School of Veterinay Medicine, Shiraz University Azadeh Yektaseresht Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz university Mozhgan Sedigh-Ardekani Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran Journal Article 2026 01 06 Emerging evidence increasingly links latent <em>Toxoplasma gondii</em> (<em>T. gondii</em>) infection to a range of physical, psychological, and behavioral disorders. Simultaneously, higher education environments, particularly in veterinary programs, are known to exert considerable psychological pressure, potentially compromising the health and well-being of students. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the interplay between latent <em>T. gondii</em> infection, general health status, impulsivity, and academic performance among veterinary students at Shiraz University, in southern Iran. A total of 99 students participated in this cross-sectional study. Latent toxoplasmosis was assessed using an ELISA to detect IgG antibodies. General health and impulsivity were evaluated using the validated shortened General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) and the revised Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS), respectively. Demographic and academic data, including grade point average (GPA), were also collected. Eight students (8%; 95% CI: 3–14%) tested positive for latent <em>T. gondii</em> infection, suggesting a decreasing trend compared with previous studies. Elevated general health scores, indicating potential psychological distress, were observed in 32.3% of participants (95% CI: 23–42%), while 45.5% (95% CI: 36–55%) exhibited high impulsivity scores. No statistically significant associations were found between latent toxoplasmosis and general health, impulsivity, or GPA. However, GPA was significantly and negatively correlated with both general health and impulsivity scores. These findings highlight the decreasing trend in <em>T. gondii</em> seroprevalence. However, simultaneously raise significant concern in student well-being and emphasize the urgent need for targeted interventions and supportive policies to promote the general health and academic success of veterinary students as future professionals in the field. https://jzd.tabrizu.ac.ir/article_21301_7b5afd41a1c8b1914ea90aca7d5df6c8.pdf