Abstract: ObjectiveTo understand pathogenic characteristics and variation trend of hand, foot, and mouth disease（HFMD）during 2010-2013 in Guangdong Province.MethodsEight children’s hospitals (maternal and children health hospitals or departments of paediatrics in general hospitals) were selected as sentinel hospitals from 8 cities in Guangdong Province from March 2010 to December 2013. Specimens of mild cases of HFMD were collected for detection of enterovirus (EV). ResultsA total of 6 816 specimens of mild cases of HFMD were collected and 5 403 was positive for EV. The total EV positive rate was 79.27%, of which the positive rates of EV 71, coxsackievirus A16 (Cox A16), and other EV were 25.57%, 17.31%, and 36.38%, respectively. The positive rate of EV 71 was highest in 2010 (37.73%); the positive rate of other EVs was highest in 2011(30.83%) and in 2013 (60.60%); the positive rate of EV 71was almost as high as other EVs in 2012 (29.53% and 29.34%)．During 2010-2012, the predominant pathogens of HFMD switched in April-May and September-October, and the conversion time of predominant pathogens was consistent with the two peaks in the incidence of HFMD (spring-summer and autumn). In 2013 the predominant pathogens were other EVs from January to October, with a unique peak in the incidence of HFMD. ConclusionHFMD epidemic in Guangdong Province was characterized by frequent conversions of predominant EVs (including EV 71, Cox A16 and other EVs ). It is very important to understand the variation of the EVs for early warning and control of HFMD.