EN
The definitions and the theoretical basis of the action of immunostimulators was presented in relation to innate immunity. The existence of homeostasis between immunostimulation and immunosuppression was mentioned, indicating possible changes in their mutual relations. The role of immunostimulaters in the activation of innate immunity was stressed. In connection with the growing occurrence of multifactorial syndromes in modern swine production and the ban by the European Union of using antibiotic growth stimulators for the prevention of these kind of diseases, the role of immunostimulators as replacements was discussed. The mechanisms of immunostimulation were characterized after the parenteral and oral application of the immunostimulators. The competitive exclusion was mentioned. Publications describing preparations of immunostimulative activity for veterinary use were cited and characterized. In conclusion it was stated that the immunostimulators only partly replace the antibiotic growth stimulators in prevention of multifactorial syndromes in swine. This justifies further research in this area as well as for the improvement of the efficacy of vaccines against infections in swine, particularly those caused by facultatively pathogenic microorganisms.