I am now nearly 4 months post AVR with a bovine tissue valve, and doing great. In cardio rehab etc. I was wondering, is endocarditis more prevalent with tissue valves and how does one actually contract it? I am aware of the dental story and the controversy about needing prophylatic antibiotics or not. Are there other causes such as the small sore on my leg which remains red and inflamed after a week in spite of antiseptic creams. (bumped leg against old engine block). Is this the sort of thing one should be worried about? Johan