Bacterial DNA â a circular chromosome plus plasmids. The DNA of most bacteria is contained in a single circular molecule, called the bacterial chromosome. The chromosome, along with several proteins and RNA molecules, forms an irregularly shaped structure called the nucleoid.
What are the effects? If left untreated, syphilis can eventually cause damage to the brain, nerves, eyes, heart, blood vessels, liver, bones, and joints. In extreme cases it can cause difficulty coordinating muscle movements, paralysis, numbness, gradual blindness, mental illness, and even death. If you have syphilis and are pregnant, it can cause serious birth defects and stillbirth.
Primary syphilis usually breaks out about 3 weeks after exposure but can range from 9 to 30 days after exposure. The chancre will last from 3 to 6 weeks and then will disappear with or without treatment. The infection will persist even when the ulcer leaves, unless antibiotics are used. The rash of secondary syphilis occurs 2 to 10 weeks after the chancre appears, often after the chancre is completely gone.