Etiological surveillance of hand foot and mouth disease in Xiangyang city in Hubei province, 2010

Objective To understand the circulating trend of the major pathogens of hand foot and mouth disease (HFMD) in Xiangyang in 2010, and provide laboratory evidence for the disease control and prevention. Methods Totally 392 samples collected from HFMD patients were detected by using fluorescent RT-PCR. Results Most cases occurred in age group of 1-3 years, and more boys were affected than girls. The incidence peak was during March-May. Enterovirus 71 (EV71) became the major pathogen instead of Coxasckie virus A16 (Cox A16). The severe cases were mainly caused by EV71 infection. Conclusion The HFMD epidemic might be serious in 2011, it is necessary to strengthen the surveillance of the disease.