What are the different types of PAP?
PAP is known to occur in three different clinical forms; primary (also called idiopathic or occasionally acquired), secondary and congenital forms. Primary PAP is associated with high levels of antibodies that recognize and neutralize an essential blood protein called GM-CSF (granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor). Secondary PAP occurs as a consequence of another clinical condition that reduces either the numbers or function of alveolar macrophages. Congenital PAP is a less-well characterized collection of specific lung diseases that are due to genetic defects in the genes responsible for production of normal surfactant.
