IL1B and bacterial vaginosis: In addition to the detection of HIV target cells in the CVT lumen of individuals with BV, studies have shown a connection between BV and the presence of proinflammatory cytokines in the CVT, most reliably IL-1β (7, 37, 41, 42), adding further support to the idea that proinflammatory mechanisms underlie the link between BV and increased HIV susceptibility.