Carter KA, Srinivasan S, Fiedler TL, et al. - This prospective cohort study nested within the Preventing Vaginal Infections trial was performed to examine the links between vaginal bacteria and high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) incidence and persistence. Eligible participants included sexually active, HIV-seronegative females aged 18 to 45 years who had a vaginal infection at screening. Analyses were limited to participants enrolled in Kenya and randomized to placebo. This study involved 84 participants. Findings are consistent with reports that a decreased susceptibility to hrHPV persistence is seen in relation to vaginal Lactobacillus crispatus. The observations from in vitro studies offer insight into potential mechanisms whereby L. crispatus may mediate hrHPV risk.