Abstract: The present invention relates to novel methods and devices for treating severe bacterial infections, such as septicemia, using an extracorporeal adsorption container. The device has a solid support disposed and confined within the container and a binding means associated with the solid support that is specific for affixing an infecting bacterium that is causing the severe peripheral bacterial infection and/or affixing bacterial toxins from the bacterium. By passing the infected blood through the container, at least a portion of the infecting bacterium and/or bacterial toxins are removed. The treated blood is returned to the patient.