Four strains of Lactobacillus spp. and two strains of Lactococcus spp. were isolated from artisanal and industrial "coalho" cheese and tested for inhibitory activity. It was observed antagonistic activity of the lactic acid bacteria against themselves and other lactic acid bacteria and pathogens isolated from the same cheese samples, as well as against pathogenic strains from other sources. Significant difference (P<0.05) was observed among the antagonistic activities, except when lactic acid bacteria were used as indicator. From the tested bacteria, Lactobacillus spp. showed the strongest antagonistic activity.
lactic acid bacteria; "coalho" cheese; antagonistic activity
