Human enterovirus 71 (EV71) is one of the major causative pathogens for human hand foot and mouth disease (HFMD). EV71 was first isolated in California in 1969. HFMD is common infectious disease frequently occurring in infants and children. Although it usually has no life threatening, the most severe neurological disease caused by EV71 may cause death. Therefore, EV71 is widely considered as one of the most important virulent neurotropic enteroviruses after the eradication of poliomyelitis.