What condition does rabies cause in the body?

Rabies is a viral disease that primarily affects the nervous system, particularly causing inflammation of the brain, a condition known as encephalitis. The virus travels through the nervous system after it enters the body, typically through a bite from an infected animal. When it reaches the brain, it can lead to severe neurological complications, including confusion, seizures, paralysis, and ultimately, death if not treated promptly.

While the other options refer to inflammation in various body systems, they do not accurately represent the specific pathological effect of rabies. For instance, inflammation of the lungs is related to respiratory infections, inflammation of joints is associated with arthritis or similar conditions, and inflammation of the heart pertains to conditions like myocarditis, none of which are the result of a rabies infection. Hence, the focus on brain inflammation accurately reflects the critical nature of rabies as a neurotropic virus.