A filter element comprising a hydrophilic organic polymeric microporous filter membrane having a preformed substantially nonporous sealing area and a filter housing having, preferably, a hydrophobic thermoplastic sealing surface in thermoplastic sealing relationship with the sealing area. Preferably, the filter element comprises a hydrophilic nylon microporous filter membrane having a preformed substantially non-porous sealing area of non-porous tape heat sealed to the membrane and a filter housing having a hydrophobic thermoplastic sealing surface in thermoplastic sealing relationship with the sealing area. The filter membrane is preferably a pleated cylindrical membrane and the housing includes endcaps thereto. The preferred cylindrical membrane is produced from an elongated porous filtration area longitudinally bordered by substantially non-porous sealing areas. Such a membrane may be produced by a specific casting method or collapsing the pores along the longitudinal borders of the filtration area. Additionally, such a membrane may be produced by applying a heat sealable non-porous tape along the longitudinal borders of the filtration area. The filter element is particularly useful for the filtration of aqueous liquids, particularly parenteral or body liquids.