DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PURIFYING VIRALLY INFECTED BLOOD

摘要

The present invention relates to a method for using lectins that bind to pathogens having surface glycoproteins or fragments thereof which contain glycoproteins, to remove them from infected blood or plasma or other fluids in an extracorporeal setting. Accordingly, the present invention provides a methods and devices for reducing viral load or plaque forming units in blood or plasma from one or more infected individuals. A preferred embodiment of the method comprises passing the blood or plasma through a porous hollow fiber membrane wherein lectin molecules are disposed proximate to the membrane, collecting pass-through blood or plasma and optionally reinfusing the pass-through blood or plasma into the individual. Additionally, the present invention provides a methods and devices for the reduction of plaque forming units, cleared more rapidly and more efficiently than overall viral load.