Typhus Vaccine, Experimental Series IX
The typhus vaccine “Weimar”, produced by the Division for Typhus and Virus Research of the Hygiene Institute of the Waffen SS, Weimar-Buchenwald, was tested according to orders for its efficacy on humans.
This vaccine was produced from rabbit lungs according to the process Durand-Giroud. It contains virus (Rickettsia-Prowazeki) of self-isolating types deadened and suspended in 2/00 Formol.
20 persons were immunized on the following dates with 1 cc. each: 17, 22, 27 July 1944.
The vaccinations were made subcutaneously on the right or left upper arm.
For comparison 20 persons were immunized at the same time with “Weigl” vaccine, produced from lice by the Army High Command in Krakow according to regulations.
Furthermore, 20 persons were provided for control purposes.
6 Sep 44:
The 60 experimental persons were infected by subcutaneous injection of 1/10 cc. fresh typhus-infected blood each into the right upper arm.
All persons fell sick as follows: