Molecular typing of group B Neisseria meningitidis’subcapsular antigens directly on biological samples demonstrates epidemiological congruence between culture-positive and -negative cases: A surveillance study of invasive disease over a 13-year period

•Clonal complex, BAST numbers, fHbp, NHBA, and PorA distribution in MenB IMD in Tuscany (2007–2019) are presented.•Clonal complexes and antigenic variant distribution are similar in culture-positive and -negative cases.•Typing of subcapsular antigens directly on samples prevents data loss from culture-negative cases.•Genetic-MATS and MenDeVAR must be constantly updated to increase their relevance in practical applications.