Tortelli BA, Lewis WG, Allsworth JE, et al. - Researchers sought to define associations between vaginal bacteria (especially Lactobacillus species) and Candida colonization via performing molecular characterization of clinical specimens. In addition, they conducted in vitro studies to test the ability of two most common dominant Lactobacillus species (Lactobacillus crispatus and Lactobacillus iners) in inhibiting Candida growth and to examine the basis for such inhibition. They performed a nested cross-sectional study of reproductive age women from the Contraceptive CHOICE Project. They selected vaginal swabs from 299 women to balance race and BV status, resulting in alike representation of black and white women in each of the three Nugent score categories [normal (0-3), intermediate (4-6), and bacterial vaginosis (7-10)]. Vaginal colonization with Candida was observed in 42 women (16%). In nonpregnant women, significantly more likelihood to harbor Candida was observed in L. iners-dominant communities than L. crispatus-dominant communities. This implies that Lactobacillus species exhibit different associations with Candida. As per in vitro experiments, relative to L. iners, L. crispatus may prevent Candida colonization more effectively through a greater generation of lactic acid.