From about July 1942 to about September 1943
experiments to investigate the effectiveness of sulfanilamide were
conducted at the Ravensbrueck concentration camp for the benefit of the German Armed Forces. Wounds
deliberately inflicted on the experimental subjects were infected
with bacteria such as streptococcus, gas gangrene, and tetanus.
Circulation of blood was interrupted by tying off blood vessels at
both ends of the wound to create a condition similar to that of a
battlefield wound. Infection was aggravated by forcing wood shavings
and ground glass into the wounds. The infection was treated with
sulfanilamide and other drugs to determine their effectiveness. Some
subjects died as a result of these experiments and others suffered
serious injury and intense agony. The defendants Karl Brandt, Handloser, Rostock, Schroeder, Genzken, Gebhardt, Blome,
Rudolf Brandt, Mrugowsky, Poppendick, Becker-Freyseng, Oberheuser,
and Fischer are charged with special responsibility for and
participation in these crimes.