A patient presents with severe watery diarrhea after consuming contaminated seafood. The causative bacterium produces a toxin that permanently activates adenylyl cyclase, leading to increased cAMP levels and excessive fluid secretion. Which of the following bacteria is most likely responsible?
✓ Correct Answer: Option C
Vibrio cholerae produces cholera toxin, which irreversibly activates adenylyl cyclase in intestinal epithelial cells via ADP-ribosylation of Gs protein. This results in increased cAMP and profuse watery diarrhea.