Alternative mounting media for preservation of some protozoa

Protozoa resistant stages are disintegrated when mounted in toluene-based media. To overcome such problem, three toluene-free mountants were tested on preserve Acanthamoeba spp and gregarines. Two commercial glues based on cyanoacrylate or trimethoxysilane were suitable for preserving both cysts and trophozoites. Hoyer’s medium showed good results for mounting gregarine oocysts. [Display omitted] •Acanthamoeba cysts could be preserved with commercial trimethoxysilane glue.•Gregarine oocysts could be preserved in Hoyer's medium or commercial glues.•Protozoa trophozoites could be permanently mounted in commercial glues.•Glues used in mounting showed no aging effects in one-year old microscopic slides.•The alternative mounting media are toluene-free and present low health hazard.