Methods and compositions are provided for preventing and/or treating infection by disrupting interactions at or near the surface of mannosylated pathogens or other pathogens exhibiting carbohydrate-carbohydrate self-interaction, thus enhancing the immune system's ability to recognize and destroy such pathogens. In some forms, carrier molecules are provided to delivering polymers or other molecules capable of disrupting intra-cellular interaction and/or self-interaction of surface markers on cells.