The present invention relates to a method for using lectins that bind to
pathogens having high mannose surface glycoproteins or fragments thereof
which contain high mannose glycoproteins, to remove them from infected
blood or plasma in an extracorporeal setting. Accordingly, the present
invention provides a method for reducing viral load in an individual
comprising the steps of obtaining blood or plasma from the individual,
passing the blood or plasma through a porous hollow fiber membrane
wherein lectin molecules are immobilized within the porous exterior
portion of the membrane, collecting pass-through blood or plasma and
reinfusing the pass-through blood or plasma into the individual.