Abstract: Wang Jianbo*, Li Yan, Li Xiaohong, Li Jianguo, Chen Jing, Yuan Xinghai, Zhang Shoumin, Li Xueli, Wang Yuping, Li Zhenlu. *Department of Dermatology, Henan Provincial People′s Hospital; Department of Dermatology, Zhengzhou University People′s Hospital, Zhengzhou 450003, China Corresponding author: Li Zhenlu, Email: lizhenlu@sohu.com 【Abstract】 Objective To report four adult patients with hand, foot and mouth disease（HFMD）, and to investigate its prevalence in their family members. Methods A clinical investigation was carried out in four adult patients with HFMD, and their family members （or roommates）. Fecal specimens were collected from these patients and their 9 family members （or roommates）, and reverse transcription-PCR was performed to detect human enterovirus 71 （EV71） and coxsackievirus A16 （CA16） in these specimens. Results Of the 4 adult patients, 3 were positive for EV71, and 1 was for CA16. Clinical investigation identified 2 children patients with HFMD （in 2 families） and 3 adult patients with asymptomatic infection with EV71. Conclusions HFMD can affect adults, and may be asymptomatic in adults.

Key words: Hand, foot and mouth disease, Adult, Infection