**Core Concept**
Rabies is a viral encephalitis caused by a lyssavirus that primarily affects the central nervous system (CNS). The virus targets the neurons of the CNS, leading to characteristic pathological lesions.

**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer involves the understanding of the pathophysiology of rabies. In rabies, the virus replicates in the CNS, causing neuronal damage and inflammation. The virus primarily targets the neurons of the hippocampus, amygdala, and other limbic structures, leading to the characteristic pathological lesions. The virus also causes a significant increase in the amount of intracytoplasmic viral particles, which can be seen in infected neurons.

**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** This option is incorrect because the characteristic pathological lesions in rabies are not primarily due to inflammation of the meninges.
* **Option B:** This option is incorrect because the virus does not primarily target the oligodendrocytes in rabies.
* **Option C:** This option is incorrect because the characteristic pathological lesions in rabies are not primarily due to demyelination.

**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
The characteristic pathological lesions in rabies can be seen in the neurons of the hippocampus, amygdala, and other limbic structures. These lesions are characterized by an increase in intracytoplasmic viral particles and neuronal damage.

**Correct Answer: D. Neuronal damage and inflammation.**