Therefore, the purpose of this study was to (i) evaluate the CSF levels of the chemokines IL-8, RANTES, MIG, MCP-1 and IP-10 in HFMD patients with encephalitis; (ii) identify the possible interrelationships between the chemokines and CSF parameters; and (iii) investigate their potential role in HFMD as biomarkers reflecting pathogenesis, which may pave the way for new therapeutic targets. This evidence concerns the gene CXCL8 and hand, foot and mouth disease.