SPP1 and bacterial infectious disease: Its implication in promoting Th1 immunity in response to infectious microorganisms and its expression in immune cells including MF [20, 21], makes it a good candidate possibly involved in the subversion of the host cells by Leishmania. Moreover the protective effect of OPN, against viruses (herpes simplex virus-type 1, KOS strain) [17] and bacterial infections (Listeria monocytogenes) [22] via activation of the immune response, suggests a potential role as a therapeutic target against cutaneous leishmaniasis.