Respiratory cryptosporidiosis detected by commercial multiplex-PCR in immunosuppressed pediatric patients

•Two children with previous GI cryptosporidiosis presented respiratory deterioration•Commercial GI protozoa multiplex-PCR detected Cryptosporidium spp. in BAL samples•Cryptosporidium was verified by modified acid-fast stain and specific sequencing•We suggest applying this available assay for systemic cryptosporidiosis screening We report the off-label use of a commercial gastrointestinal protozoa multiplex-PCR panel for bronchoalveolar lavage samples, detecting respiratory cryptosporidiosis in two immunocompromised pediatric patients. We suggest that implying this readily available assay in cases in which systemic cryptosporidiosis is suspected, may widen our understanding regarding this rarely reported syndrome. [Display omitted]