The present invention relates to a method for using lectins that bind topathogens having high mannose surface glycoproteins or fragments thereof whichcontain high mannose glycoproteins, to remove them from infected blood orplasma in an extracorporeal setting. Accordingly, the present inventionprovides a method for reducing viral load in an individual comprising thesteps of obtaining blood or plasma from the individual, passing the blood orplasma through a porous hollow fiber membrane wherein lectin molecules areimmobilized within the porous exterior portion of the membrane, collectingpass-through blood or plasma and reinfusing the pass-through blood or plasmainto the individual.
