Cameroon lacks a national screening algorithm for Human papilloma virus (HPV) infection. In order to standardize HPV screening using molecular detection tools in Cameroon, this study aimed to evaluate the concordance of HPV detection via two multiplex systems and profile the epidemiology of High-risk oncogenic HPV (HR-HPV) circulating locally.

A cross-sectional study was conducted on endocervical samples collected among women in Cameroon. HR-HPV detection and genotyping was done using Abbott and Sacace kits simultaneously. Discordant results were retested using Anyplex II HPV28 kit.

Of 364 participants enrolled (median-age: 42 [IQR:34–50] years), overall HR-HPV positivity was 21.4% (78/364) versus 15.4% (56/364) using Abbott and Sacace, respectively. Detection concordance between the test kits was strong (kappa-value = 0.8). Of 22 samples with discordant results, 86.36% (19/22) were further confirmed with Anyplex II HPV28; yielding an overall HR-HPV positivity prevalence of 20.6% (75/364), with 12 genotypes circulating. The most prevalent genotypes were HR-HPV_16 (18.8%), HR-HPV_18 (16.0%), HR-HPV_39 (16.0%), and HR-HPV_58 (13.0%). Discrepancy in the detection of different and/or same genotype was more prominent for HPV 18 (6/9). Though Sacace is suitable to further discriminate among genotypes, cost-analysis showed that Abbott was 50.6% cheaper in reagents per test.

This study revealed a strong concordance between Abbott and Sacace kits for HR-HPV detection, demonstrating interoperability of these two multiplex systems available locally.