The invention is directed to a microbiological interception enhanced
filter medium, preferably having an adsorbent prefilter located upstream
from the filter medium. Preferably, the prefilter is adapted to remove
natural organic matter in an influent prior to the influent contacting
the microbiological interception enhanced filter medium, thereby
preventing loss of charge on the filter medium. The microbiological
interception enhanced filter medium is most preferably comprised of
fibrillated cellulose fibers, in particular, lyocell fibers. At least a
portion of the surface of the at least some of the fibers have formed
thereon a microbiological interception enhancing agent comprising a
cationic metal complex. A filter medium of the present invention provides
greater than about 4 log viral interception, and greater than about 6 log
bacterial interception.