RESUMO
The absence of knowledge about diphtheria in the tropics is recorded with special reference to Jamaica. Brief comment is made on the approach to the epidemiology of diphtheria. The disadvantages of, and the application of the Schick test are discussed. Details of the sample and field-work in this survey are enumerated. The major results of the survey are given and discussed: consideration is given to the influence of age, school residence, home residence, family, crowding, social status, race, residence outside Jamaica, known exposure and preventive inoculation. The conclusion is reached that there is more diphtheria in Jamaica than is generally realised, probably of low virulence, but affecting primarily the pre-school age-groups (AU)