Existing methods to define antagonistic activity of lactic bacteria can be divided into two groups: methods in vitro and methods in vivo. In the first group the shtamm-antagonist and test culture cooperate in artificial environmental conditions, and in the second - directly in those natural conditions in which the prospective shtamm-antagonist is supposed to use. Advantages and restrictions of these methods are considered in the review.

Key words: antagonism, lactic bacteria, methods in vitro and in vivo.