PRF1 and bacterial vaginosis: For example, L. iners is considered to be pathogenic due to its pore forming ability in vaginal epithelial cells, presence of virulence factors such as inerolysin and cytolysin, absence of protective factors like H2O2, D(–) lactic acid, very less production of L(+) lactic acid and due to its reported associations with preterm birth as well as BV [178–180].