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

Abstract

We report the off-label use of a commercial gastrointestinal protozoa multiplex-PCR panel for bronchoalveolar lavage samples, detecting respiratory cryptosporidiosis in 2 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.

Keywords: Cryptosporidiosis; Immunosuppression; Multiplex-PCR; Respiratory symptoms.