suMMARY The analysis of the auxotypes and plasmid profiles of 459 non-PPNG strains from Jamaica suggests that strains have been imported to the island. Unlike in many developing countries where strains are differentiated by only a few auxotypes, 13 different auxotypes were identified in the non-PPNG strains. In Jamaica over 10% of the strains were plasmid free and required proline, citrulline, and uracil (PCU-) for growth. These Gonococcal isolates are differentiated for epidemiological purposes using a combination of techniques. These include assessing nutritional growth requirements (or auxotype),'-' analysing plasmid content,4 6 and characterising strains by serological methods using monoclonal reagents.7 Characterising strains using such methods has facilitated gathering data about the dissemination of both penicillinase producing Neisseria gonorrhoeae (PPNG) and non-PPNG striins.10 13 Relations between the variables serovar, plasmid content, and auxotype are also specific for certain geographical areas and are correlated with other variables, such as susceptibility to antimicrobials and expression of disease.'4'17 Although analyses of the above variables Address for reprints: