A method for prophylaxis or treatment of a disease includes administering an an effective amount of an agent that contains cells of Lactobacillus paracasei MCC1849 (NITE BP-01633) to a subject in need of such prophylaxis or treatment. The disease can be one or more of an inflammatory disease, ulcer, food allergies, bronchial asthma, urticaria, pollinosis, anaphylactic shock or an opportunistic infection.