Camelid single-domain hcv antibodies and methods of use

An isolated camelid antibody that specifically binds to an epitope within an HCV core antigen polypeptide.

A method for detecting an analyte in a sample from a subject, which method comprises:

• a) disassociating an analyte in a sample from a subject that is bound to an antibody of the subject from the antibody of the subject by changing the pH of the sample to be 4 or lower, or to be 9 or higher, by treating the sample with a protein denaturing agent, and/or by heating the sample to between about 35° C. and about 95° C., preferably to between about 45° C. and about 70° C.;
• b) contacting the analyte disassociated from the antibody of the subject with a camelid VHH antibody at a pH that is at 4 or lower, or at 9 or higher, and/or in the presence of the protein denaturing agent, and/or at a temperature of about 35° C. and about 95° C., preferably about 45° C. and about 70° C., and detecting an analyte-antibody complex formed between the disassociated analyte and the camelid antibody to assess the presence, absence and/or amount of the analyte in the sample.