LIF and sexually transmitted disease: After adjusting for age, recent sexual activity and STIs, we observed higher concentrations of several cytokines in women with persistent BV relative to the BV cleared group: including IL-1α (β= 0.466, 95% CI 0.011 – 0.921; p= 0.045), IL-18 (β= 0.621, 95% CI 0.164 – 1.078; p= 0.009), MIF (β= 0.481, 95% CI 0.054 – 0.908; p= 0.028), IL-7 (β= 0.363, 95% CI 0.012 – 0.713; p= 0.043), and LIF (β= 0.621, 95% CI 0.236 – 1.005; p= 0.038).